I'm not sure what you want me to do if there's a crisis. I'm ready for her to ease on out of this affair. I tell Alicia what Doctor Franklyn said about how Mother looks like she might die today. Alicia doesn't say anything but after a moment tears roll down her cheeks. Later this morning I see Marisol sitting at Mother's bedside holding her hand and crying.
Mother is unconscious.
Later Alicia is frowning grotesquely and crying while she helps Paloma trim the Christmas tree. Paloma wants to know why her mommy is sad. Alicia distracts her with a box of decorations, the tears dripping off her nose. I've been up with Mother most of the night. I feel a sudden surge of anxiety.