"I'll be right back." Mama Cortez turned off the hairdryer and disappeared into her closet. I stared after her, wondering what she was up to this time.

She came back a minute later holding a folded dress and a small bottle. Her frail hands placed them on my lap like they were something precious.

"What's this?" I asked, touching the soft fabric.

"An old nightie I used to wear for Papa Cortez before he died." Her smile was wistful, faraway. "And that's a special body wash. Use it tonight and ...