Chương 12: Fewer Pieces

"How is he doing?" Dr. Suarez asked.

"Better, thank God. You were so right about the hobbies. Como del día a la noche (It's night and day)."

"How about at home?"

"His energy is better. Last night I took him out for frankfurters. He ate everything. How are the tests?"

"I'm concerned. Robin's complete blood count is very high for this stage. I'd like him to come in tomorrow for more tests. If we don't get a better response soon, we might need to swap to a different course of therapy. He may need radiation treatment."

"Dr. Bolle told me they don't do radiation therapy for ALL."

"We don't, usually. But if it spreads, sometimes there's no choice." The words pressed on Una like concrete. The two women looked away from each other for a moment. Una could not speak. She had to wait for the doctor to start the engine again.

"Are you seeing any physical changes like bruising or nosebleeds?"

"I'm finding more hair in the drain," Una answered.

"That's normal. It's very important to address the way Robin sees himself. People will stare and make him feel uncomfortable. He's lucky he's a boy, he can just wear a ball cap all the time and no one will think anything of it. It's much harder for girls. You said he's going to a game club?"

"Yes, they play with toy soldiers for hours and hours. Even the older boys. I don't know why they aren't getting jobs, starting families."

"Things are different here."

"I suppose so. The important thing is, he's found some friends and he's happier." Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

"Do they know about his diagnosis?" Dr. Suarez asked. Una thought about it. She would be surprised if Robin had told anyone. He kept things very close.

"No, I don't think so. But anyone can see he's sick."

"You might mention something to one of them, so it doesn't come as such a shock. Boys can be very cruel at that age."

"They had better not be." Una's eyes flashed with wrath.

"Do you know the person who's in charge of the club?"

"Yes, I know the leader, Duncan. A nice boy, his family owns the store. They have a real racket going on. You wouldn't believe what these little soldiers cost!"

"I can imagine. My son is into model trains. I don't even want to think about how much he's spent. He's got a whole room for them; it drives his wife bonkers."

"Men love to have little things under their thumb, to feel like they have power." Una shook her head.

"How's that different from chess?" Dr. Suarez smiled.

"Chess is pure, it strengthens the mind. It doesn't cost anything. You don't even need the board," Una blustered. In her heart, she knew Dr. Suarez was a little right. The doctor was too sharp. She didn' t let Una get away with anything.

"Seems like every time I see you two playing, there are fewer pieces on your side."

"I've noticed the same thing and I'm not happy about it. That's been such a surprise. That boy is sharp as a razor when he wants to be. We went to the library and checked out a copy of Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess. I'm giving him a bishop now, but soon I'll be down to a pawn. He's winning games at the club against the older boys."

"He's very bright. And tough. His energy is better than what the tests indicate. That's a good sign."

"Martillo." Una brought her fist against the anvil of her palm.

"His great, great grandfather was one of Santa Anna's generals. Then my Hector was a B-17 radioman. I was in the WAFS when I met him."

"What about his mother, did she serve?"

"Only herself," Una said, without thinking. She shook her head.

"I shouldn't speak ill. I've been so mean-spirited lately."

"How are you sleeping?"

"Not well. Worry keeps me up at night. I wonder if I should take something."

"Maybe you should talk to someone."

"Maybe," Una said. Their eyes met. Una wished she could scream.