Song of the Mockingbird: My Journey with Josefina

I open my eyes and find myself lying on the big rock outside my house. Daisy sits beside me. I’m wearing my jeans and t-shirt again. And my house is there, too! In the window, I can see Mom, Dad, and Henry standing around the counter. The whistle is still clutched in my hand. My mouth is suddenly very dry.

I prop my elbows on my knees and cover my eyes with my hands. Okay. Aside from the fact that this is the freakiest thing that’s ever happened to me, these seem to be the facts. First, I am traveling back and forth through time. Second, playing the mockingbird song sends me into the past and brings me back to my own time. Third, maybe, for whatever reason, the universe decided no time passes in the present when I’m in the past.

I stare down at the flute. I could go back. Why not? But yet, it was scary. Cool, but scary. On the other hand, I have been looking for adventure, haven’t I? I take another look back at the house. I never thought our flat adobe house could look so much like home. Part of me longs to run inside to my family. But on the other hand… they’ll know I’m gone.