Héctor Lavoe in Mexico

Somebody put on “Periódico de Ayer” at a party and I started crying.

Not dramatically. I just suddenly had tears in my eyes and had to go to the bathroom because I didn't want anybody asking what was wrong.

Nothing was wrong.

Héctor Lavoe had been around me for years in Puerto Rico and I barely paid attention. I was the one listening to rock records and making fun of what the grownups listened to.

Then I heard him in Mexico and all I could think about was home.

I stayed in the bathroom until I stopped crying and then went back out and pretended nothing happened.

I don't think anyone noticed.