This section is from Maria's perspective.
I watched Sofia as she corralled the little ones, her face flushed with responsibility and frustration. It filled my heart with pride to see her take on a leadership role among the children. She was growing up so fast, adapting to this new world far faster than we adults.
"Does this town have a library?" Sofia asked, running up to me after the kids broke up for a game of hide-and-seek, her brow furrowed with the question.
"I'm not sure," I replied, glancing at Tsu for help.
"Yes, precious. We have a library about a mile or so away. Not sure it's open right now, but no harm in checking it out." Tsu's eyes twinkled with warmth, and I could tell she admired Sofia's initiative just as much as I did. "Why do you ask?"
Sofia nodded with seriousness beyond her 11 years, her chin jutting out with determination. "I'm thinking of having little field trips there and also grabbing books to do a read-along with everyone here."
My stomach churned with anxiety as I considered the potential dangers of venturing into town and walking on major roads, even if it was just a short distance away. Yet, I couldn't deny the importance of what Sofia wanted to do - fostering a sense of community and education among the children.
"Alright," I agreed hesitantly, my voice wavering ever so slightly. "But we need to be cautious, Sofia. We need to be careful on the road, and we don't know what we might encounter out there."
Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she said, "Mommy, cars aren't working anymore. Only Uncle Gator has a car that works and he doesn't really drive much."
I sighed, realizing I couldn't dampen her enthusiasm. Instead, I focused on preparing myself mentally and emotionally for the journey ahead of watching my baby mija grow up.
Tsu's smile brightened as she leaned down, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "My dear, that would be an amazing idea. I'm not sure if anyone would want to go, but I think it would be okay for your mom to go there with you to see if you can get some books. I'll also go through our books and find kid-friendly ones."
I frowned and considered the possible dangers of the trip. "I'm not sure how safe it would be to walk there by yourself. But I don't mind taking you when I don't have responsibilities."
Tsu waved her hand dismissively and laughed. "Don't worry. It's not like we're under any pressure to do anything until the power gets up and running. For now, we're doing things so as not to be bored, you know." Although I didn't fully agree with her, I saw no point in arguing. Growing food was a pretty high priority.
"Okay," I said, nodding slowly. "We'll go together then."
Sofia beamed at us both, her excitement evident in her flushed cheeks and wide eyes.
Tsu smiled with mischief as she looked at me "My dear Maria, don't forget your in a small all American town. Crime is rare, and we take care of each other."
I looked at her with skepticism but didn't respond. Small towns weren't immune to crime and stupidity.
"Alright, let's get going," I said, taking a deep breath. I took Sofia's hand, and we started walking down the road towards town. Sofia looked up at me with excitement in her eyes.
"Okay, so we just follow Ivan's directions, right?" Sofia asked, her voice filled with anticipation. I nodded, trying to keep my tone light and reassuring. I didn't want to force my paranoia on my child.
"Exactly. We'll head towards the T intersection and take a turn towards town. Cross the dam bridge." It still felt wrong to say it that way "and look for signs towards the school and library when we walk into the downtown area past the 'keys development' on the right by the lake." I repeated what Ivan and Tsu told us.
As we walked, I kept an eye out for any signs that might guide us to the library. My thoughts were consumed by the potential dangers lurking around every bush, waiting for criminals or animals to attack us, but I tried to bury them deep within me, not wanting to worry Sofia.
"Mom, look! There's a sign that Uncle Ivan told us about!" Sofia exclaimed, pointing at a wooden post by the road.
"Great job, honey. Let's keep going."
"Is everything okay, Mom?" Sofia asked as we approached the edge of town. I glanced down at her, noticing her worried expression.
"Everything's fine, sweetheart," I lied, tightening my grip on her hand. My pulse kept racing with every step we took, and my mind ran wild with worst-case scenarios. I had to remind myself that we were just going for a walk to the local library, not venturing into a war zone. I raised my soul in prayer to the Almighty Shepherd and His Mother to keep my soul, mind, and emotions calm.
"Let's just keep going," I suggested, trying to sound more confident than I felt.
As we rounded the bend, we came across a group of people working outside their home. My heart skipped a beat, but they seemed friendly enough. A woman waved at us, her smile warm and genuine.
"Hello," she said with a bright smile, leaning against the fence that separated her front yard from the sidewalk. "I don't recognize you. Are you new people who recently moved into Ivan's apartment?"
I blinked hard, taken aback by her friendliness. It was such a contrast to the hostile environment we'd left behind in Chicago and the scenarios I invented in my mind. "Yes, we came recently," I replied, nodding.
"Well, welcome," the woman said, her voice full of genuine warmth. "This is a nice little town, especially if you're moving from a big city. Where are you from?"
"We lived in Chicago before this," I admitted, swallowing the lump in my throat.
"Ah, well, this is much better than that place," she assured us scrunching her nose then smiling kindly. Her children had gathered around her and started babbling excitedly to Sofia. "Well, I'll get back to gardening and spring work. You enjoy yourselves."
"Thank you," I replied, trying to mirror her cheerful disposition. We continued walking toward the square plaza that Ivan had mentioned earlier. As we did, I marveled at the friendliness of the townspeople. It was a complete contrast to the cold, harsh world we'd left behind.
"Mom," Sofia said, tugging on my hand. "People are nicer here than back home."
I nodded in agreement, unable to deny the truth in her words. "Yes, that's very true, sweetheart."
"Was everyone so friendly in this town?" I murmured as we continued walking. I doubt it. But, for my kid's sake, I hoped it was true.
I nodded and pointed to the school near the town square Ivan had mentioned. "See the school? We're headed there." The confidence in my voice and the calmness of my soul. God answers prayers in real ways.
As we approached, I noticed a church beside the library. The door stood wide open. I yearned to pray in a House of God, but my priority was fulfilling my promise to Sofia. The library door was propped open with a trash bin, and as we walked in, an elderly woman hobbled around with a cane. Her face creased into a welcoming smile.
"Welcome, welcome," she greeted us in a sweet voice. "How can I help you two?"
Sofia released my hand, her eyes shining with excitement as she approached the old woman. "Hello, my name is Sofia. My mom, sister, and I recently moved here, and I wanted to check out the library and maybe borrow some books to read to the kids that live next to us." The woman stopped in her tracks, turning to face Sofia with a bright smile that lit up the room with love accumulated by decades of life.
"You are precious, deary. How old are you?" she asked, her voice warm and inviting.
Sofia stood tall and proud, responding, "I'm 11 years old, ma'am."
My heart swelled with pride for my baby girl.
The old woman's face kept shining with a wrinkly smile. "My dear, you are sweeter than honey." She turned to me, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "You raised a lovely daughter."
"Thank you, Ma'am," I said, beaming.
"Ma'am," Sofia spoke up again, her voice determined, "do you think you can show me around, and maybe pick out some books for kids? We have three- to nine-year-olds in the group. And I'm thinking of breaking into two groups. Also, can we organize a field trip here to the library? How often?"
"Of course, dear!" the librarian exclaimed, her enthusiasm matching Sofia's. "Follow me, I'll show you our children's section."
As we followed the old woman between rows of shelves, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling in my gut. This town seemed too good to be true. But for now, I had to focus on keeping Sofia happy and safe.
"Here we are," the librarian announced, gesturing to a colorful corner filled with children's books. "Feel free to browse and choose what you like. You're welcome to bring the little ones for a visit anytime, dear. Just make sure that they will all be as well-behaved as you."
"Thank you so much!" Sofia beamed, her eyes scanning the titles eagerly.
"You are most welcome, Sofi, sugar drop." The old woman walked slowly with her cane, and we matched her pace.
Sofia paused for a second, looking at the old woman with confusion. "Ma'am, what is your name? Or how should I address you?"
"Call me Grannie; most of the spring sprouts do anyways." the old woman laughed, teetering as she lifted her head to look at some books above eye level, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "We can plan out a field trip, as you put it, before you leave. Follow me, I'll show you around the rest of the library."
I followed the two as they talked about books, genres, and stories, sharing what each found best about this or that genre. Grannie was as kind as my Abuela and as gentile as my Mami. People in this town really were amazing. I looked around, and not seeing anyone, I thought Sofia would want to stay here a bit longer.
"Ma'am, do you mind if I leave Sofia here for a while and I'll come back to pick her up in a bit? I wanted to stop by the church and pray." I asked hesitantly, my motherly instincts clashing with the desire to do something selfish.
"Of course, dear," she replied with a reassuring smile.
"Sofia, I'm going to be in the church for a short while, and come back and find you. Be good okay?"
"Okay Mommy." Sofia said sweetly, running up, hugging my waist and then running back to Grannie.
Reluctantly, I left Sofia in the library, watching as Grannie led her deeper into the rows of books.
When I stepped outside, I walked toward the church and noticed the name "Baptist Church of Woodfield Lake." It wasn't a Catholic church, but something about its simple facade called to me. As I stood there, an old man with a broom walked out, meeting my eyes. "Oh, hello. Did you want to come into the church?"
"Uh, yes," I muttered, feeling drawn towards the sanctuary. Hesitating at the entrance, I glanced back towards the library, hoping Sofia would be all right on her own for a little while.
Turning to the old man, I studied his worn face and searching for any sign of judgment. "I was hoping to pray in Church," I finally admitted. He nodded his understanding, eyes crinkling with kindness.
"You are welcome, but God hears us everywhere." My hand instinctively went to the cross on my neck, seeking comfort in its familiar shape. "You are Catholic?" he asked, more as a confirmation than an accusation.
I nodded, bracing myself for ridicule or dismissal. Instead, he said, "That makes sense. We don't have any stained glass or rosaries or candles, but you are welcome to pray if that brings you peace. We all need peace in this time."
Surprised by his acceptance, I blinked back tears and murmured my gratitude. As he returned to sweeping the entrance, I stepped into the dimly lit church. The air inside was cool and heavy, like the weight of whispered secrets and long-held regrets.
I made my way to the front of the church, my footsteps echoing softly against the wooden floor. Kneeling on the second row, I leaned against the pew in front, my hands clasped tightly together. In a whisper barely louder than the sound of my own breath, I began reciting my prayers.
After going through my liturgy prayers, I added my own words, "Please watch over Sofia..." tears forming in my eyes as my heart ached with worry for my daughters, old friends back home, and new friends in our new home. "Keep us safe in this uncertain world."
My mind wandered to the other members of our small community – people who had become like family to me in recent months. The thought of them struggling and suffering in the harsh reality we now faced sent a shiver down my spine.
"Guide us through these dark times," I continued, my voice cracking with emotion. "Help us find the strength to rebuild and the courage to hope."
As I prayed, I could hear the faint sound of the old man's broom sweeping away the dust and debris from the church's entrance. The rhythmic swish of the bristles against the floor was oddly soothing, a reminder that even in this broken world, life still went on.
"Forgive me for my doubts," I whispered, the words catching in my throat. "I know I should trust in Your plan, but sometimes it feels like we're walking through a never-ending storm."