Song of the Mockingbird: My Journey with Josefina

My feet can’t resist the music. I grab Josefina’s hands and we go out into the shadows behind the house, where a square of light spills from a window along with the music. Josefina shows me the steps, and I stumble and almost fall on her, and we burst into laughter. I’ve missed having a friend to clown around with and being surrounded by music. I don’t want to leave these things behind, but then a thought strikes me: maybe I don’t have to.

Through the window, we hear everyone clap as the music ends with a flourish, and Josefina and I clap, too. Looking at my friend’s warm face, I realize that being friends with Josefina hasn’t made me forget Danielle, just like having Tía Dolores in Josefina’s life hasn’t made her forget her mamá. I don’t have to lose one friend just because I have another.

I turn to Josefina and say I’m ready to find my way home. Josefina looks at me, surprised. Have I remembered how to get home? I nod. I’ve remembered the most important things.

Josefina smiles and catches me by the arms, and we swing around again in the warm light from the window, our feet carried on the music.