Mama stroked Esperanza’s hair.
“What will you pray for, Mama?”
“I will pray for all the things you said,
Esperanza, and one more thing besides.”
“What’s that?”
Mama hugged her. “I will pray for you,
Esperanza. That you can be strong. No matter
what happens.”

A

sthey walked to the bus stop, Isabel recited

alist of concerns to Esperanza, sounding ex-

actly as Josefina and Mama had sounded ear-

lier that morning.

“Put Pepe down for a nap first, and when he

falls asleep, put Lupe down. Otherwise they will

play and never go to sleep. And Lupe will not eat

bananas...”

“I know,” said Esperanza, repositioning Pepe

on her hip.

Isabel handed her Lupe and climbed the steps

of the yellow bus. She found a seat and waved

from the window. Esperanza wondered who was

more worried, she or Isabel?

Esperanza struggled to carry both babies back

to the cabin. Thank goodness Isabel had already

helped her feed and dress them. She settled them

on a blanket on the floor with some tin cups and

wood blocks, then put the beans into a big pot on

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LAS CIRUELASPLUMS