The Brother Who Stopped Coming to Sunday Dinner

Every Sunday, Mama cooks. She makes pasta and bread. She puts six plates on the table. But one plate is always empty. It is Marco’s plate. Rosa looks at Mama. 'Why does Marco not come?' Rosa asks. Mama is quiet. 'He is busy,' she says. Rosa does not believe her.

After dinner, Rosa walks to Marco’s apartment. She knocks on the door. Marco opens it. 'Why do you not come to dinner?' Rosa asks. 'Mama waits for you.' Marco looks at the floor. 'I had a fight with Papa,' he says. 'He said I am not good.' Rosa shakes her head. 'Papa misses you. Your plate is always there.' Marco looks up. 'Every Sunday?' he asks. 'Every Sunday,' Rosa says. Marco smiles. 'Okay. Next Sunday, I will come.' Next Sunday, there are six plates on the table. Not one of them is empty.