La Paleta
We visited the inmates last night and brought with us an assortment of treats to share. Our group threw the young men a little Halloween party with chips, dip, soda, candy and a cake for good measure. We played a little party game, one of an audience participation charade-like sort and then shared some food.
I poured drinks and wiped spills and when it came time to leave, I looked to the bowl for a piece of candy – for the road, I thought. There was none to be found.
"Ay, no hay paleta," I remarked. One of the younger kids thrust his hand into his pocket and produced a lolipop.
"You can have this one," he said handing it to me.
"No, no, you keep it. I only wanted one if there was extra. Está bien, quedate con ella."
And smiling, he insisted, "No, it’s fine, I have another one in my pocket."