Go by yourself, Sulamita said, it’s better. I’ll wait here. Leave the key, I’ll stay in the car because of the air conditioning. And make it quick, try not to draw attention to yourself. Don’t talk any more than necessary. Leave it to me, I answered. Before I got out, she pulled me to her. Give me a kiss, she said. We kissed. Tell me you love me. I love you, I said. A lot? A lot. How much? Goddamn, Sulamita, let me take care of this business. I got out of the car and walked to the pawnshop, which seemed like a cave in contrast to the light outside and the blue sky. It took me several seconds to get used to the darkness. I came for my watch, I said. The old man took my receipt, went to the back of the store, and soon returned with Junior’s gold watch. He wasn’t very happy about it; those guys make their living out of our misfortune. I paid and went back to the car. Did he ask any questions? Sulamita wanted to know. Nothing. She looked at the watch. Pretty, she said. And it’s running.
