Isabel handed Esperanza the smelly bundles and said, "Take them to the toilets and dump themand I'll fill the washtub." Esperanza held them at arm's length and almost ran to the toilets.

In her entire life, Esperanza had never held a broom in her hand. But she had seen Hortensia sweep and she tried to visualize the memory. It couldn't possibly be that hard.

"I said I could work. I told Mama I could help. But I cannot even wash clothes or sweep a floor. Does the whole camp know?" Isabel sat down on the bed next to her and patted her back. "Yes." Esperanza groaned. "I will never be able to show my face."