Song of the Mockingbird: My Journey with Josefina

The dancing sounds wonderful, but my stomach is calling even louder. Señora Sanchez calls to the room, and the musicians end their music with a flourish. We watch the adults crowd the tables. Josefina’s papá helps an older man reach the tamales, their faces glowing in the candlelight. It feels like a family gathering, even though I know they’re not related.

My stomach gurgles, but I wait politely with the rest of the children until the adults are done. I heap the delicious-smelling stew, full of squash, tomatoes, and peppers, onto my plate and add two tamales on the side. Clara and I squeeze next to Josefina on a banco and eat quickly, filling our empty stomachs while the guests laugh and talk around us.

When my plate is empty, I mop up the last bits of stew with a tortilla and set my plate on the floor beside me. I’m perfectly content, belly full, with my friend beside me in the bright, warm sala. Maybe this is the perfect time to leave Josefina’s world, and maybe I can bring some of this peace back with me.

I take a deep breath and tell Josefina it’s time for me to go, tomorrow perhaps. Her eyes widen with surprise and concern. She says we haven’t found my family yet. I put my hand over hers. The music starts again and the adults dance. I lower my voice and tell her I have a feeling I can find my way home.

Josefina’s eyes narrow and she nods. Si, she understands. Sometimes you just have to trust that things work out. I squeeze her hand and tell her I’m so glad I met her on this journey, that being with her family gave me the strength I needed to find my way home. Josefina’s eyes are shiny. She thanks me for being her sister, for a little while at least.