Her eyes are downcast, ashamed, scared and angry. Sad, Ponce thinks, because they are beautiful hazel eyes, expressive eyes. If Denise's belly had not started plumping with pregnancy, her scrawny body could have passed for that of a sixth-grader. Ponce orders Denise to stand, to walk with her. Reluctantly Denise rises and follows her outside.
Ponce asks as they walk.
Denise either shrugged her shoulders or remained silent when asked a question. These days, they can share a laugh. So they walk awhile in silence. Ponce, an avid swimmer, slows her pace so Denise can keep up. Around them cars thump over metal pothole covers.