Chapter 121

Francisco watched Ana head toward the checkout counters and, without thinking much, did the same. He chose a register farther away, from where he could discreetly observe her. Ana looked downcast, her face marked by sadness. As he watched her scan her few groceries, he couldn’t help but wonder whether that melancholy had something to do with him. Deep down, he felt that it did.

He quickly paid for his own purchases, hurried outside, and went to the parking lot near the exit. As he p