Rosa, Sola Hardback - 2005

When it came time for spelling, Sister Ambrose said, "I have your tests here, class, and I'm pleased at how well you did." Sister smiled. Her sparkling white teeth made her whole face glow. Rosa couldn't help smiling back.

Sister's long, flowing habit swished as she walked down the aisles passing out tests. "Excellent job," Sister said, handing Rosa her test.

Rosa took the paper. Then Sister put a hand on Rosa's right shoulder and squeezed. The gesture surpised Rosa. She'd had perfect papers before without Sister squeezing her shoulder. Rosa glanced up. Sister's smile was gone, and her eyes looked sad.

Rosa turned away, afraid she might cry if Sister mentioned Joseph. Rosa's imaginary blinders fell off then, and she found herself facing AnnaMaria. AnnaMaria's eyes looked even sadder than Sister's. Before Rosa could look away, AnnaMaria mouthed the words "I'm sorry."

Rosa knew her friend was trying to tbe nice, but all she could think of was how AnnaMaria's brother was alive while hers was dead. The tears sprang up so fast, Rosa couldn't stop them.

"There, there," Sister said, patting her back. "It's all right." The teacher's tenderness made Rosa cry even harder.

Sister led Rosa into the hall. "I'm so sorry about your brother, Rosa." Sister reached into the pocket of her habit for a tissue. "It must be very hard fo you to be here."

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ROSA, SOLA by Carmela A. Martino. Copyright (c) 2005 by Carmela A. Martino. Published by Candlewick Press, Inc., Cambridge, MA.