Read Across the Great River for Free Online Page B

accept your offer, as kind as it is.” Her chin quivers as she stares down at her untouched supper.
    â€œAnita,” I say, “I know you want to come. You must come. We need you as much as you need us. You are alone out here, except for Don Juan.” I hug her massive shoulders, trying to win her over, for I know that I will be very afraid without her.
    She pats my arm. “No, I cannot go. You will learn to survive without me. I will have to learn to do without you and your brother.” She glances down at her plate and stirs her beans. Her bad eye blinks rapidly. “Besides, I will come visit you on weekends. Would you like that?”
    â€œI’d love it!” I shout, hugging her again.
    Mama sighs, “As you wish, Anita.” She takes her plate to the stove. “I still have not heard anything about Carlos. I went with Don Juan to check the lists posted at the jailhouse, but his name is not on it.” She sighs, then sits herself down again. “When I have a chance, I go to the front door of the shop and watch the streets, hoping that he might pass.”
    â€œHave you checked the market on the other side of town?” questions Anita.
    â€œNo, not yet. Perhaps when we have settled I will have more time to search the town and ask more questions.”
    â€œIf he has been in town, someone there will have seen him. If he has drowned in the river, it will be posted outside the police station. We will check again.” Anita rises. “My friends will tell me if they have seen him.”
    â€œI hope you are right, Anita,” whispers Mama.
    â€œMama,” I ask, “tell me, do you still like your job?”
    She smiles at me. “It is fine and I only work as hard as I have to. The wage is small and the hours are long. Thank goodness, I will have you to look after Pablito while I am at work.”
    â€œI will make a good babysitter,” I add.
    â€œGood. Because we must help one another, especially since Anita will not be along.”
    â€œAnd, I will cook and clean so you won’t have to.”
    Mama brushes my hair back. “That’s my big girl.”
    Anita touches my shoulder. “Remember, Kata, never let a stranger into the room. Some people want to do harm to others for no reason other than the devil tempts them.”
    â€œI’ll remember, Anita,” I say taking her hand in mine.
    â€œGood. Tomorrow is Saturday and we will wash the clothes so that they will be clean for packing.”
    â€œI will help draw the water,” I add.
    Anita rises. “No, I will draw all the water we need until Don Juan takes the time to fix that old well.”
    â€œBut, what can I do?” I ask.
    She stops and turns, “You may hang the clothes on the line to dry.”
    â€œOkay, Anita. That’s much more fun than drawing water.”
    Mama rises. “It’s time for bed.” She hands me a blanket, which I take to our bed of straw.
    The minute I lay my head down I start dreaming. I remember Anita turning out the lantern. I see the moonlight peek through the window, but I don’t remember how that man enters my dreams.
    The man comes walking out of a cloud. He seems to be in a big hurry and trudges forward with heavy steps. His boots are like a cowboy’s and very muddy. I see that his shirt sleeves are rolled up past his elbows, as if he has just gotten off a dirty job. On his right arm is a tattoo of a lady with a snake wrapped around her waist.
    He approaches a bolted door which is painted blue. He pushes at the door with all his weight, but it does not give. After several tries the man steps back and doubles up his fists. I see myself standing on the other side of the door. I am shaking with terror. His fist smashes through the door and the arm with the naked lady slowly reaches inside and unbolts the door. Helpless, I fall to my knees and raise my arms to protect myself from flying wood. I faint as the door creeps