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 feel Josefina walking beside me, and 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. I think of myself jolting along in that dusty wagon, and if I handled that, I can handle this. I turn on my heel and march down the hall, hoping to reach Mrs. McGlynn’s classroom a few minutes before the bell. I have something to ask Audrey. 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 looks at me, waiting. I tell her I have a great book of two-person scenes and ask if we can practice one together for the Skit Club auditions.

Audrey is silent for a moment, then says that sounds fun. A warm smile spreads across her face, just like Josefina’s.