Lately the bandoneon comes in a half-beat late on the third number. I went to correct it three times and swallowed the words each time. Today I set my feet to that late beat instead.

• Tito AlmadaThat half-beat, I never taught it to him.
  Rosario QuintanaWho would have taught it. The river runs hard enough, he must have learned it there.
• Inés SosaThat sound carries all the way to the laundry eaves these days. I've caught my hands going still while I hang wash at night.
• Pilar OrtizFirst time I've seen you fall into someone else's rhythm, sister.
  Rosario QuintanaI didn't fall into it. I counted it. Even a wrong beat still counts toward the sum.