Song of the Mockingbird: My Journey with Josefina

My stomach is fluttering the next morning when I push open the door to school. It’s the first day of the rest of my life. I can almost see Josefina walking beside me. It’d be so much fun to show her my world now that I’ve seen hers. But alas, I cannot. Still, she is with me. I’ve brought some of her strength and fun back with me through time, just like I brought Chicago to Santa Fe with me in my heart.

I stop at the bulletin board that Audrey and I looked at yesterday. The Skit Club poster is still there. As I examine it, I see myself covered in dust, jolting along in that wagon. I almost laugh. If I can embrace that experience, then I can handle this one, right? I turn on my heel and march down the hall. Maybe I can get to Mrs. McGlynn’s classroom a few minutes before the bell. I have something to ask Audrey. After all, auditions are next week, and I know a great two-person scene we can perform.

Audrey is sitting at her desk when I hurry into the classroom. When I get her attention, she simply looks at me, waiting. I tell her that I have a great book of scenes, all for two people. Maybe we can practice one together, for the Skit Club auditions.

Audrey is silent. Then she says that that would be fun. A smile spreads across her face. It’s a warm smile that invites me in, just like Josefina’s.