The week between Christmas and New Year. The house is quiet. I unfolded the map on the kitchen table, the route highlighted in yellow from here to the city.
My daughter moved away five years ago. Married a man from Mexico. Their son, my grandson, is three. I've never really talked to him before tonight.
I downloaded a translation app. I wanted to say goodnight to him in his language. But I didn't know what to say.
My daughter video called. She put the phone in front of him. He stared at me. I opened the app.
I typed 'I miss you' and pressed the button. The voice spoke in Spanish. He smiled and said something back.
The app translated: 'I miss you too, Grandpa.'
That was the first time. I don't know what we started. But I think the app doesn't translate words. It translates the distance.
The map is still on the table. The highlighted route. I think I'll drive it next week.
For the first time in six months, I don't feel alone.