The next morning she isn’t awakened by the hot, early-rising sun, but by a knock on her door. She goes over and opens it. Chayo is waiting outside. “Hola Raena just thought I would stop by to see how you’re doing.” “Well, the sleep on the floor wasn’t very comfortable, but I plan to go get some furniture today. Do you know where I could go?” “Funny you ask because my husband owns a furniture store. I can take you there if you want. Meet at my house in an hour. See you soon.” Raena closes the door. She goes over to her suitcase- the only thing she has of her life with her son- and picks out a dress; one that she has been dying to wear, but the weather at her old house would not allow. She locks up the house and walks over to Chayo’s. The house is as cheerful as Chayo is. A bright blue covers most of the house, with a red door and yellow trim. Along the sidewalk is an array of flowers- ones she has never seen before. Chayo comes out before she can even knock on the door. “Why don’t we walk, I want to show you around town.” Along the way Chayo tells Raena all about the people who live here; she seems to know everyone. “That house right there is Rafeal and Esperanza’s place. Rafeal is the principal at the new school and Esperanza is a doctor. The big house is Fulgencio’s he is a famous photographer. Beto and his dad live in that little white house at the end of the street; he lost his mom pretty recently, but they’re friendly people.” As Chayo tells Raena more about the town, she begins to feel more at ease. It’s a cute town where everyone knows everyone and cares for one another and Raena can’t wait to forget about everything that happened with her son and move on.
**2 years later**
It’s been two years since Raena packed up her things and headed straight for Miami. At first, she was full of outrage and betrayal. She was nervous about leaving everything behind, but she knew she wasn’t wanted. She would