He staggered backward, nearly knocking Lulu over. Panchito looked through the peephole and then answered the door. He was wearing a dirty apron. “Don’t worry,” Panchito said. “It’s just Elsie.” “What do you mean?” Gray and Lulu entered and saw Elsie lying on the couch, a damp towel over her forehead. “She’s been coming around in fits and starts,” Panchito said. “Every time she does, we get struck with a bolt of fear. Poor Abuelita is going to have a heart attack before the night is through.” Lulu knelt by her sister. She took her hand and gave her a big kiss on the cheek. “She’s been able to send emotion through people without touching them?” Panchito shrugged. “She’s somehow stronger in her unconsciousness.” Abuelita appeared from around the corner with a platter full of tamales.
