Treasure of the World by Tara Sullivan (free ebook reader txt) 📕

as we talk. Abuelita’s mouth is a thin line, but I guess Mami talked to her earlier, because she doesn’t say anything.

“I’m used to being by myself,” Belén breaks in. “When it was just me and Papi, he had to leave me alone a bunch. I’ll be fine. Doña Elvira and I can take care of things here.”

Abuelita gives Belén a fond look. “Yes, we can. Do whatever you need to do, Mónica,” she says to Mami.

And so it’s settled: the plan is for Mami to come with me to the mines.

But, like so many plans, it doesn’t work out.

We’re just getting to the door when Doña Elena comes running up in spite of the aching hip she was complaining about earlier.

“Mónica!” she says. “Inés is having her baby, but something’s not right. Please, can you come?”

Mami jerks as though she’s been electrocuted. She’s not a doctor or a nurse, but she has helped deliver many babies. Her eyes flash to mine, and I can see her gathering her courage to say no. I know that, given the choice, she will protect me over Doña Inés’s child. I’m hers, after all.

But I am no longer a baby.

I straighten my spine. “Go,” I tell her. “It’s just one night. I’ll be fine. Abuelita can stay here with César and Belén. If the birth goes quickly, you can join me later.”

Mami opens her mouth to argue with me, but I cut her off.

“It’s not worth a baby’s life just to keep me company.”

For a moment more, Mami stands there, torn. I keep my back straight and my face clear, showing her how strong I am. Finally, she nods. “Okay,” she tells Doña Elena. “Tell Inés I’m on my way.”

The woman bolts from the room, and Mami, after gathering some things she might need, turns to go as well. Just before she leaves, she pulls me into a hug. “You’re so brave, Ana,” she whispers into my ear. “I’m so proud of you. Thank you.” Then she gives me a quick kiss and hurries after Doña Elena into the night.

I heave a sigh. Being brave is the worst.

“Okay,” I say to Abuelita and Belén, “have a good night. Take care of César. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Abuelita pats my cheek. “Take care of yourself tonight, Ana. I’ll pray for your safety.”

“Good night,” I say to Belén, who’s giving me a funny look I can’t figure out.

“Good night,” she says.

I wave over my shoulder and head out.

I get to the mouth of the mine just in time to check in with Don Carmelo before I climb up to my perch and settle in for a cold and lonely night.

The moon is barely a hand’s width above the edge of the mountain when I see a small figure creeping through the shadows toward me.

That can’t be . . .

But when she gets closer, I see that yes, it is.

“Belén? What are you doing here?” A thought occurs to me: the only reason they would have sent her to come get me is if something truly terrible had happened. “Is Abuelita okay—is César—did Mami—” I don’t know how to organize my thoughts, but Belén cuts me off.

“Everyone’s fine. Your mami is still out helping with Doña Inés, your abuelita is sleeping, and Papi’s breathing settled a bit. I left a note saying where I went so they won’t worry.” Belén bounces over to join me.

“So they won’t worry . . . about what?”

“Me staying here with you, of course!” She smiles brightly.

I stare at her blankly. Then I snap out of my shock.

“No way,” I manage, shaking my head. Belén is only eight.

“Why not?” she demands.

“Because,” I say, “it’s dangerous, and lonely, and cold, and you’ll be uncomfortable and miserable and get no sleep and be worthless for school tomorrow . . .” I trail off, not able to put into words how terrible of an idea this is.

Her chin juts into the air. “If it’s all that bad, you shouldn’t have to do it alone.”

It’s not good to be alone. I clench my hands by my sides in frustration.

“No,” I say, keeping it simple.

“We need the money,” she says firmly. “You’re helping to get it. My new mami is helping to get it. Even old Doña Elvira breaks rocks and sits with you. You’re all doing it for my papi because he’s sick. I’m going to help too, and you can’t stop me.”

“I sure can,” I say, getting to my feet. “Come on! We’re taking you home right now.”

Belén plants her feet, a stubborn crease on her forehead. “You can take me back, but you can’t make me stay,” she says. “I’ll just run out again and come here. And then the mine will be left unguarded, and your abuelita will have to be up all night to keep track of me. What’s the point?”

I clench my teeth to prevent myself from shouting at the little girl. She’s right: if I drag her home, all those bad things are guaranteed. If Mami were home, we could find a way to make her stay, but Mami might be out all night at the birth. There’s no point keeping an old woman and a sick man awake and worried all night, and I do have a job to do. Last night was quiet when Abuelita was here. If Belén stays here, at least I can keep an eye on her until morning, and she won’t crawl all over the mountain in the dark with no thought to her own safety.

I chew my lip and consider the fierce little girl, crooked braids and all, standing her ground in front of me. She wants to help her papi. I know how awful it feels to not be able to do anything to change the bad things around you. Given the options we have, this might be the best. Besides, after one night out here with me in the cold, I bet she doesn’t try this stunt again.

I reach out and give her crooked braid