Esperanza Rising

benefit of Mr. Yakota’s market: She could buy
money orders there.
She was waiting in the truck when Miguel
came back.
“Another money order? What do you do with
them all?” asked Miguel.
“I save them in my valise. They are for such
small amounts but together, they’ll be enough to
someday bring Abuelita here.”
“And the piñata?It’s not anyone’s birthday.”
“I bought it for Mama. I’m going to ask the
nurses to put it near her bed, so she’ll know that
I’m thinking of her. Wecan stop by the hospital
on the way back. Will you cut a hole in the top
for me so I can put the caramels inside? The nurses
can eat them.”
He took out his pocket knife and made an open-
ing in the piñata. While Miguel drove, Esperanza
began feeding in the caramels.
Not far down the main road, they approached
an almond grove, the trees flush with gray-green
leaves and white blossoms. Esperanza noticed a
girl and a woman walking hand in hand, each