Song of the Mockingbird: My Journey with Josefina

Señor Montoya appears in the doorway and we all rise to our feet respectfully. It’s now time for prayers. I follow Josefina and the others to the back of the room to a narrow table. It’s an altar, because everyone kneels in front of it, with Josefina’s papá in the center. Ana and Tomás slip in at the back. We all bow our heads. Señor Montoya prays, and I let his deep, musical voice roll over me as I peek through my almost-closed eyes at the altar. It’s covered with a beautiful embroidered cloth. Candles send wisps of smoke to the ceiling. Brightly painted figures stand on their own special little platform at the back of the altar. I remember seeing some like that at the museum in Santa Fe. Dad told me they were figures of saints carved from wood.

I look at the faces of the family as they pray. They look peaceful and refreshed. I get the feeling this is a very important time of day for them. When they’re finished, I follow Josefina and her sisters to the doorway. Señor Montoya says he’s going to check the animals for the night. Tía Dolores comes to me and tells me there’s to be a harvest fandango tomorrow night in the village. Josefina and her sisters will be going in the morning to help prepare. Would I like to join them?

Josefina exclaims I must come! Fandangos are so much fun. This is the party they were talking about. I open my mouth to say yes, but Tía Dolores continues talking. She explains that Señor Montoya is also going to Santa Fe for business tomorrow. He’ll talk with officials there to ask if anyone knows of a family in a village who has lost a child. Josefina and I can also accompany him if we’d like, but we’d miss the fandango. Tía Dolores would go with us in the wagon, and we’d all stay overnight. If we decide to go to the fandango instead, then Señor Montoya will take a horse and return by evening.

Josefina says we can choose to either go to the party, or go on a trip. In my mind’s eye, I see the downtown streets lined with shops, offices, and cars, and the cathedral soaring over everything. Of course, I know Santa Fe during this time must be different. But it’s still a city, right? But then again, I love parties. I haven’t been to one in so long. My body almost aches for laughter and music. I haven’t felt like having much fun since we moved, but having Josefina as a friend has perked me up.