Presence, cont'd

The calm, cool, familiar darkness has settled back into the cave-like lab.
"Mr. Dempsey?"
He turns from the counter to face the woman, shifting, out of place in the doorway there.
"Is there way maybe you do something for me, Senor?"
"What do you mean?"
She gently pushes a small boy out from behind her.
"El hijo de mi hermanita. Manuel. His mother. She... You watch Manuel today." Her statement carries a gentle authority, such that no questions arise in Ash's mind. He looks down at Manuel, whose large brown eyes are shining and placid. He wears a white shirt lined with faded red strips. He wears a black backpack, looking deflated; more than half the length of his body. His right hand is clenched tightly in a fist.
"How long do you need me?"

Ash is strangely calm.