Song of the Mockingbird: My Journey with Josefina

I’ve barely played the mockingbird song’s last note when I’m sprawled at the base of the rock, Daisy’s wet tongue licking my cheek. I’m back in my own world, my own time.

I brush off the dust and head into the warm, noisy house. My family is still gathered in the kitchen, and I want to run over and hug them all. But they think I’ve only been outside a few minutes, so I settle for pulling myself up to sit by the counter.

Henry holds out a piece of paper, a beginning rock climbing class, and asks if I want to take it with him. Before Josefina, I would have said no, but this time exploring the desert doesn’t sound so bad. I tell him that sounds fun. Dad’s eyes meet mine, and he raises his eyebrows as if to say, Now that’s a change. I shrug.

Mom moves to the stove and lifts the lid on the steamer to check the tamales. I inhale and mutter “Mmm.” Dad wanders over and says it seems like I’ve decided to give New Mexico a try. I shrug again, and say I’ve been doing some thinking.