sat on the couch.
        With gathering confidence, he said, “Simpática, I have many welfare clients, but I consider you and Maya to be my best. You are friends. I enjoy speaking with you.” At least he had her attention so far. “What I like best is that you are a good mother to Maya. I see many mothers who do not take care of their children. Many mothers let their children go hungry while they go out and have fun.”
        Simpática was still listening, though he knew he better get to the point.
        “Between you and Maya I know there is much love. Maya called me today because she loves you. And she called because there is a problem between you two and she wishes that it be solved. She does not wish to have difficulties with her mother. She loves you very much. She has told me many times.”
        Simpática’s eyes dampened. “Yes,” she muttered.
        Now encouraged, he said, “Many times when children reach the age of thirteen or fourteen, like Maya, when they are in junior high, they begin to feel more like an older person as if they are no longer a child. This is normal. And many times, the parents and the children have disagreements. Older children often wish to be independent of their parents, and that is part of growing up. I have many families where the children wish to be adults and the parents still wish to control them. Some of them fight so much! Sometimes I must go to their houses to help.”
        Surprisingly, he still had her attention.
        “I believe this is the problem between Maya and you. Maya is older now and wishes to have more freedom. She wishes to live her own life. She does not want a mother all the time.”
        Whatever Simpática gathered from his words, the message was clear: he was threatening to take Maya away. She ran to the front door and slammed it shut.
        “No!” she shouted. “She’s my baby! She mus’ obey! Soy tu madre, Maya!” I am your mother.
        Maya turned to him helplessly. “See?”
        Undaunted, Mike continued. “Simpática, I do not wish to take Maya from you. This is her home. I only wish to know what it is that troubles you. Why were you angry with Maya today? Is there some way I may help?”
        But he was only stoking the flames, the situation worse than when he arrived.
        “Maya!” Simpática pleaded. “Why you don’ kill me! Why you don’ kill me with a knife!”
        As Mike and Maya watched, she ran to the kitchen and opened a