The Cat Sitter’s Cradle Read Online Free PDF Page B

not
     from here. No es de aquí. ”
    “Dios mío,” she said, shaking her head. “ Dios mío, dios mío, dios mío .”
    I decided to take this opportunity to ask Corina again about seeing a doctor. I had
     the number that the young mother had given me at Walmart, and if anything was a sign,
     it was that a random stranger had given us a doctor that supposedly wouldn’t ask too
     many questions. I didn’t want to risk anyone turning Corina over to the immigration
     officials, but I didn’t see how it was possible that we could let her go much longer
     without at least having the baby looked at by a pediatrician—and this seemed like
     my only chance.
    “Corina,” I said, taking the crumpled napkin with the doctor’s number on it out of
     my pocket. “Es necessario…”
    I paused to make sure I was using the right words.
    She looked at the napkin and said, “Yes?”
    “Es necessario … el médico.”
    She was silent.
    “ Es muy importante, for the baby.”
    She nodded. “Yes, yes I know.”
    I tried to figure out a way to tell her that I had a doctor that would probably not
     report her to immigration, but I just couldn’t do it. All I could do was look Corina
     in the eye, woman to woman, and tell her with my voice that everything was going to
     be okay.
    I said, “El médico es bueno.”
    I could see a little note of doubt in her eyes, but it vanished. She seemed to understand.
    She said, “Okay, I can go.”
    “I promise nothing bad will happen,” I said, even though I knew I couldn’t honestly
     make that promise, and I’m sure Corina knew it as well, but we had no choice.
    I said, “I’ll call the doctor and make the appointment. Comprende? ”
    “Yes, I understand. Gracias , Dixie.”
    Joyce handed me the phone, and I dialed the number on the napkin.
    A woman answered the phone. “Doctor’s office, how can I help you?”
    I said, “Hi, I wanted to know if I could talk to the doctor? I just have a few questions
     for him before I make an appointment.”
    She said, “What can I help you with?”
    “Well, it’s a little personal, actually. I really would feel better if I could speak
     to him directly.”
    “Alright,” she said, “hold on while I get the doctor.”
    “Thanks very much.” I nodded to Joyce and Corina. “She’s getting the doctor.”
    There was a slight pause, and then the same woman said, “Hello, this is Dr. Harper.”
    “Oh no,” I said. “I am a complete fool.”
    The woman laughed and said, “No, no, it’s my fault, I should have told you when I
     answered the phone. My receptionist is out today with the flu, so I’m wearing a variety
     of hats and it’s making me a little bonkers.”
    I knew right then and there that I could trust this doctor. I can relate to bonkers.
    “A friend gave me your number,” I said. “I have a newborn that needs to see a doctor
     right away.”
    “Alright, when would you like to come in? And congratulations, by the way.”
    I nearly shouted, “Oh, it’s not mine! It belongs to a friend, but she doesn’t speak
     English so I’m calling for her.”
    “I understand. I happen to have a cancellation tomorrow afternoon at three. Can you
     bring the baby and the mother then?”
    “Oh, that would be great, thank you so much.”
    “And the name?”
    “Corina … uh, hold on one sec.”
    I covered the phone and turned to her. “What is your last name? Corina…”
    She hesitated. It was clear she didn’t want to tell me, but she must have known there
     was no sense in trying to hide anymore. We were clearly here to help her.
    “Flores.”
    “Corina Flores,” I said into the phone.
    “And the baby’s name?”
    I sighed. This was going to be tricker than I thought. I covered the phone again and
     turned to Corina.
    “ La niña? What’s her name?”
    Corina folded her hands in her lap and smiled.
    “Dixie,” she said. “Dixie Joyce Flores.”
    Joyce laughed, and I rolled my eyes in disbelief.
    “Seriously, Corina,