Here's Hoping

Recipient: Subject 14D111, Lydia Delgado
Sender: Manuel Delgado, Father, Age: 44
Date of receipt: 8-16-2014

Transcript

Corazon,

I have the very best news! As you know, very few lawyers have agreed to even look at our case. They say it is because we cannot pay much money, but I have always suspected they do not have the heart to fight against the government. I have spoken with a man from the American Civil Liberties Union, and he seems very interested in your story. He says there is money available for legal support, for people whose rights have been abused. This is you, Lydia! This could be an answer to your mother and your sisters’ prayers.

Your mother and your sisters miss you, Mija. They light candles at St. Paul’s Chapel every day before the restaurant opens, and your mother goes back again after it closes. I miss you as well, My Daughter. Every day without you is empty.

At the restaurant, there is a picture of you on one wall. The booth beneath is always empty, but your friends, your aunts, and many of our regular customers leave flowers and extra money. They light candles to St. Christopher, St. Jude and St. Dominic. Many people feel your absence.

I have enclosed the college texts you asked for. I sent Gabriella to buy them, and when she returned with no change, saying she had to spend some of her own money, I thought she was fibbing, trying to keep the money for herself. I couldn’t blame her; she had to take two trains to get to the right store. Even so, I made her show me the receipt. Dios mio, Lydia, books are so expensive.

I opened one and tried to read it. I understood all the words, but they made no sense to me. You are much smarter than your father. I could not be more proud of you for keeping up your studies.

The place where you are doesn’t sound like a bad place, but still, they cannot keep you away from your family. You should be here with us. You are not dangerous. You are not one of them. Soon, you will be home again. Soon you will return to school. Your mother and I swear this to you. We never stop thinking about you.

Love,

Dad