Song of the Mockingbird: My Journey with Josefina

Back in my own world that night, I curl up on my bed under the down comforter. It’s almost as comfortable as Josefina’s sheepskins. I reach from my phone and thumb through the online school directory. There she is. Audrey Capella. I take a deep breath and touch her number.

I listen while it rings, and when she answers, my stomach flutters. I tell her that it’s me, and she doesn’t say anything. I think back to Josefina, reaching out to me when I was lost and alone. Stuttering, I wonder if she wants to come over someday after school? I tell her that Henry can pick us up, and we can go for a hike. She doesn’t say anything, and my stomach sinks. I wish I hadn’t called.

And then, she says yes. It’d be fun. A big grin splits my face, and I feel like Josefina is watching me, applauding.