“Are you frightened?”
Esperanza hesitated.
“No.”
It was the same answer she had given each time before, but this morning it did not sound convincing, even to her.
Lucía studied her face.
“You are allowed to be frightened.”
“I know.”
“Mother Caridad will find answers.”
Esperanza’s smile weakened.
“She has been trying for years.”
“That does not mean she has failed.”
Esperanza looked toward the kitchen door.
Through it, she could see part of the cloister garden. A narrow path curved between rosemary bushes and white roses. Beyond the garden stood the old infirmary wing, closed most days except when Doctor Paloma visited.
A strange uneasiness passed through her.
