We'd agreed on fifteen eachfor my mother's present.I put it in the group on Monday.Manolo isn't in the group.He's brought a blenderwith the price still on it.
Fifteen a head.The child's head doesn't count.
Paco gives me a noteand asks for five back.One has paid for two.Another gave it to Lucía.Lucía passed it to Fede.Fede bought the napkins.
My father opens the box.“This one crushes ice as well.”My mother lowers her eyelids.Then she asks him for the receipt.“For the guarantee,” she says.Tere covers her mouth.
I've got two people too many.
Nati put in for Nuria,who was already on the bus.Nuria has just sent hers.The phone vibrates in the sauce.I wipe it with one cornerof the envelope the money was in.
I slowly add it up again.Nico counts himself in.He says he's got a ham.My father can't find the receipt.It's under the plastic,stuck to the instruction book.
My father lifts out the blender.My mother brings us the box.“Whatever's left will fit in here.”I put the envelope in first.The lid sinks a little.Something inside starts vibrating again.
