You’re Toast

First, say “cough” in Spanish. Tos.

Then understand that we’ve had an illness going around, at least among us adults, that involves a lingering and persistent cough. After a bout of hacking, I tell Dubsie “tengo tos.”

Her brown eyes are full of concern. “You are sick?”

“Yes, I am sick.”

“You need tea?” she asks.

“No Dubsie. But thank you.”

“It’s OK, Daddy,” she says. She nods and caresses my arm.

I stifle a cough.

“You have toast?”