Broken Promises

Sparrow prepared a tray with jerky meat and dried fruits for their dinner. She decided not to speak about Papa’s secrets or Sister Placida’s request for her to become a nun. Instead, while they ate, Sparrow talked about things that would interest Mama, like her favorite places to pick various herbs.

Then, after dark, they were disturbed by Josefina calling from outside the cabin. “Sparrow! My mama wants you to come for cocoa.”

“It’s too late. My mama is resting.” Sparrow wondered why she had been summoned for cocoa at this late hour.

“She wants your mama to bring her special spices to the house,” Josefina said, referring to Mama Nina’s combination of nutmeg, cayenne, cinnamon, and orange rind, a favorite of the family. They used it in their coffee and cocoa on special occasions. With no questions, Mama Nina rose from her bed. She wrapped herself in her warm shawl and wound a bandana around her gray hair.

“In the corner, under the red cloth,” Mama Nina told Sparrow. Sparrow grabbed a small packet and a cloud of cinnamon puffed out of it. They took one step outside and smelled the aromas of Josefina’s family dinner. The scent of roasted chicken, steamed corn, and freshly baked bread filled the air.