[His eyes widened. Twice? His little girl had gone off...twice? He felt the memory of his heart tighten with worry. But what was the use of it? This was the past. A past that was supposed to be his future, but...he shook himself off, turning to look at Imelda as she poured another glass.]

Imelda...

[He gave a shrug and finished off his drink, twirling the glass along his fingers. then stopped and sat up a bit straighter, looking at her a bit confused.]

Wait, wait, wandered off? We...I never separated from him. We, made it to Mexico City. That's where I-

[He pressed his lips together carefully, shaking his head and then placing the glass down.]

I...okay, look. I know you don't want to hear this, but...ay, Imelda. I was some chispero just trying to survive in Santa Cecilia. Whatever I could get, I would take...I never thought there was anything better for me.

[He sighed and glanced at her, watching the way the fog covered moon reflected off her bones. But it was so easy to see the woman he had fallen in love with. A dove caught by a monkey.]

Then you came along, and for once...for once I got the best thing in the in world.

[He hit his knee, staring out at the swamp. A few ghost flickered by but they never paid him any mind, but they did look eerie. Like thoughts floating out over the water. Lost thoughts...or words unsaid.

Quickly he turned toward Imelda, eyes wide.]

I got you. And like a real man,

[Said with all the sarcasm a Rivera could possibly hold.]

I ruined it all. Because I wanted the best for you, for Coco. I never stopped to think that...well. What use now, right? But even if you, just...please Imelda. It was my fault. The only thing you ever did...was love a pendejo like me.