“My family?”
“You said you had a sister.”
Esperanza’s face changed.
“I had a sister?”
“You have a sister,” Paloma corrected gently. “At least, you did six years ago.”
Esperanza stood so suddenly that the bed frame creaked.
“That cannot be true.”
“Sit down,” Mother Caridad said softly.
“No. My parents died when I was young. I was raised by my aunt. I was told I had no brothers or sisters.”
“Who told you that?” Paloma asked.
“My aunt.”
“What was her name?”
“Rosa Valdés.”
Paloma nodded as though confirming something long suspected.
“Rosa was not your aunt.”
Esperanza stared at her.
Mother Caridad rose too.
“Explain.”
“She was your mother’s cousin. After your parents died, you and your younger sister were separated. Rosa took you. Another relative took the younger child.”
