Stories of Lotería

   Salvador Medina and Elena Tapia married in May 1938. It was a jubilant celebration overflowing with family, friends and best wishes. No one was about to miss the festivities, even if it meant riding in on a horse for three days, including Elena's closest cousin, Alberto. He was a few years older than she but they had grown up together, played together, and often confided in each other. Salvador enjoyed Alberto's company very much and understood that the cousins were more like brother and sister. Soon after the wedding, Salvador and Elena moved into their first house together. It was an old-fashioned style structure whose kitchen resembled something like a patio. There was a roof to keep the rain out, and a ledge to store supplies. Often, though, stray cats would sneak onto the ledge and fall asleep there.  Elena diligently attempted to load the ledge with pots, pans, or anything else that would take up space. They enjoyed the house and those early years spent togeth...