Cafecito & Dominoes
Fr. Agustin chats with Celia about her budding relationship.
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An excerpt of Fr. Agustin’s homily for the 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time:
"…Our modern world prizes individualism. It constantly preaches self-fulfillment and prioritizing yourself above others. Now this is not to say that you should blindly follow whatever someone tells you to do or to be. What I am referring to here is the “you do you” attitude that permeates our culture, completely ignoring the consequences of our actions which truly affect those around us.
We understand ourselves in relation to the communities we belong to. For better and for worse, the family we are born into shape and influence our identities. To reject this connection is to reject yourself, turning a blind eye to what needs restoration for a brighter future...”
My mother invited Gael to this week’s family dinner. The last time she invited a guest to dinner, that guest became Antonio’s fiancé six months afterwards. Celia has heard this story all throughout her childhood, so naturally she was nervous to bring Gael. After all, it had only been a week since she started calling him her boyfriend. My niece prefers to take things slow in her dating life.
I invited Celia for a cafecito in the rectory, since Father Victor was visiting his mother in Chicago for the week. Our 2 bedroom townhome includes a small patio area shaded by mango trees just beginning to bear fruit. We played dominoes on a glass patio table, the tiles clapping and sliding while we sipped in between rounds.
“Celia, I assure you that mamá had no influence in your parent’s engagement. Your father was sure about marrying your mother after their first date.”
She looked at me with scrutiny.
“I am his twin. Believe me, I could tell.” I smiled, placing a double eight at one end of the table. She playfully sucked her teeth, and studied her hand.
“I just don’t want abuela interrogating Gael during dinner.”
“And how does he feel about tomorrow?”
Celia placed her double four on the other end of the table. I knock the table, sipping what’s left of my cafecito.
“He’s looking forward to it, actually. I think now that he’s met mom and dad, he’s feeling confident meeting everyone else.”
After they met him, Paola gushed about him to me. My brother, on the other hand, merely described him as “seemingly fine.”
Celia added to her side of the table before broaching a question.
“Tino…is it normal to have doubts even when things are going well?”
I leaned back on my chair, resting my foot over my thigh. She used to call me “Tino” all the time as a child. Now, whenever she calls me that she’s looking for advice from her tío.
“What kind of doubts are you feeling about Gael?”
It was her turn to finish her cafecito.
“It feels like things are almost too good. He treats me well, and he’s respectful. He gets along fine with my friends, he’s supportive of me and my teaching career. And he goes to Mass.”
I smiled. That last statement was meant for me.
“You told me he can’t dance, right? That might be a little concerning.” I winked, eliciting a chuckle.
“I know that your dating experience has been disappointing. It sounds like Gael is the first to show you a consistent relationship. Could that be what is spooking you?”
She sighed, knocking the table. I finally have a turn.
“Maybe. I’ve talked to my friends, and they have mixed opinions. Some of them think that Gael is hiding some big red flag from me.”
I think of Dr. Emilia’s findings. From the pulpit, he and his family seem like honest people. It’s difficult to imagine Gael hiding something from Celia.
At least, not intentionally.
“Well, you have just made your relationship official. You’re only beginning to learn more about who he is. I think it’s important to remember that your choices are formed from what you know right at this moment.”
She nodded, not fully taking in what I said.
“Take your relationship one day at a time. And if something were to change, you’ll bounce back. You know I’m here to support you.”
I leaned forward to kiss my niece on her forehead, prompting a hug.
“Gracias, Tino.”
One Week Later:
Good morning, Father. I hope you are well.
I wanted to make you aware he family tree started glowing again last night. The activity seems to last longer with each occurrence.
I also researched the Ruiz family, and discovered something interesting. I’d like to meet with you again to share my findings.
Kind regards,
Dr. Emilia Marta Gonzalez de Avila
International University of Miami
Hello, Dr. Emilia
Please call our office as soon as possible to set up an appointment with me.
I believe there is a connection between that family tree and Celia’s relationship with Gael.
In Christ,
Rev. Agustin Echevarria
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
“Seemingly fine” is very “father of daughter” language, LOL! I enjoyed the homily excerpt and the emails at the beginning and end—it feels like youre experimenting with different ways to tell a story, and it grounds the narrative you told in the middle. There’s lives happening outside of what you tell in the story! Very cool!
Aieee! I am all caught up. This is so good!