She reached the door and waited. Her heart was hammering in her chest. What would happen if they caught her trying to sneak out? Would they punish her? And if they did, how bad would it be? Jovanna swallowed hard and twisted the door handle, pushing it open carefully. A candle burned on the nightstand next to the adult’s bed. She was propped upright on her pillows with a book in her hand. For a moment, Jovanna thought the woman was awake.
Then she noticed that the woman’s eyes were closed. She shook her head, suddenly realizing the absurdity of what she was doing. She almost gave up and went back upstairs. She thought of her mother, though, and that gave her some strength. She walked slowly and quietly to the nightstand. The key was laying there, gently reflecting the candlelight. The can
