10. Catalina

"Put that on," El Rey says sliding a black square velvet box toward me. I pick it up and open it. The gasp that leaves my mouth can't be helped. I don't know much about rings but this one looks expensive. The stone resembles a water drop with smaller shinier stones all around it. I can almost see my reflection in the silver band. I'm still gaping at it when he asks "Are you deaf? Put it on"

"I don't want it" I reply absentmindedly. Could these be diamonds? Are they real?

"I didn't ask. Wear the damn ring"

Still mesmerized, I slowly take it out and slip it onto my finger. If Santi had proposed to me, would he have used such a ring or something similar? I always imagined how he'd do it. We would go out to dinner, he would get on his knees and propose to me in front of a crowd. Or in the middle of a street surrounded by flowers. My engagement was supposed to be romantic. A day I will remember forever. Not this.

Lifting my eyes, I study El Rey. Looking for any signs of sickness. How old