yelled, and they scaled down the ravine, trampling weeds and rolling rocks. At the bottom, they moved into the darkness under the bridge, certain Simpática would not find them there. Hunkered quietly, they heard the creek gurgle and saw one another’s silhouettes but little more.
        “We’ll just stay here for a minute till we’re sure she’s gone,” Maya said. “She’ll give up and leave in a couple minutes.”
        Brian sighed, then leaned back leisurely and folded his arms above his head. The breezes drifted lazily, rustling the tall grass and cooling their perspiration. From time to time, they heard a car or bicycle passing overhead. Maya turned to Brian to suggest they get going again, but the words were just forming on her lips when she was jolted.
        “Maya!”
        She looked up in panic. Simpática was only a few feet away on the bridge above them.
        “How did she know we were here?” Brian asked.
        The undergrowth crackled as they shifted to get a glimpse of her.
        “Maya! You come, Maya!”
        Brian whispered, “Do you think she knows we’re under here or just that we’re nearby?”
        Maya brought a finger to her lips. “Shhh.”
        But Simpática kept yelling until her voice was hoarse. Then they heard a man ask her who she was looking for. It was quiet for a minute, then he said, “I don’t see anyone down there. Are you sure someone’s there?” Maya imagined the wild expression on her mother’s face when she insisted, “I see her! She is there!” Then the man got tired of this and left.
        Brian gazed to the creek stretching into the distance. “Maybe if we sneak off that way, she won’t see us.”
        Maya considered this.
        “It’s better than sitting here all day,” he reasoned.
        They made their way through the tall grass away from Simpática. If they could make it just a few more yards, they’d reach tall grass and be free. But if Simpática crossed to their side of the bridge, they’d be in plain sight. They continued cautiously, then were jolted again.
        “Maya!” Simpática shrieked. “The Padre, he does not forgive you!”
        Maya turned. Simpática was at the railing gazing directly at them.
        “Maya! You come here now!” She pointed to a spot on the street next to her. “You stop sinning, Maya! Stop