“I don’t know where he took us,” Maria said. “But he said the arroyo was usually dry.”
“There’s been some strange flash flooding this winter,” Myla said. “Lily said she was separated from you in the desert.”
“No, I never left her side,” Maria said. “Except for a moment, just before you found us, but she was sleeping then. She must have dreamed it.”
“Here’s some tea,” Myla said to Maria. “And there are leftovers. We could make you lunch.”
Maria shook her head. “We ate.”
“Maria, if it’s all right with you,” Myla said, “you and Lily will stay in this house with David, Ernesto, and Stefan. And I’ll be close by. You can come and go as you please and you won’t have to worry about anyone seeing you.”
“But I’m illegal,”1 Maria said in Spanish.
“That’s still true,” Myla said, “but David is t
