Song of the Mockingbird: My Journey with Josefina

I put down the bowl of tea I’ve been cradling and thank Josefina, but I don’t want to drink it. I tell her I should stay back to rest. She offers to stay with me, but I don’t want her to miss the fandango. Josefina strokes my hand.

Then I tell Josefina I’m starting to remember some things about my family. Josefina beams and pulls the blanket up around me, saying she and the others are leaving for the dance, but Teresita is here if I need anything.

I catch Josefina’s hand as she turns to go and tell her I know where my home is now. I must leave soon to find it, but I thank her for being my friend. A grin spreads across her face, and our eyes meet in a bond that lasts forever.

When everyone leaves and the room goes dark, I raise the flute to my lips and play the special tune. I am going home.

When I open my eyes, I’m back on my boulder, and Mom is calling me from the doorway. I sit up as she comes over, saying she’s been calling and asking if I fell asleep. I stay silent and climb down, and we head inside, where Dad is almost done with the tamales. “Yum,” I say, realizing my stomach already feels better.

Mom is confused, since she thought I didn’t like tamales. I think back to the clay platter on Josefina’s table, and the faces of Josefina, Clara, Francisca, and Tía Dolores glowing in the candlelight.

I tell Mom that maybe I’ve just realized there’s a lot more to love here in New Mexico than I thought.