Every word out of his mouth made her heart sink lower and lower. Was this was Abuela felt? Sorrow that she might never see her home again? The loss of those she loved? That made the ache even worse. Isabela sank back onto the bench, her head falling forward into her hands. Her long hair slipped forward, an obsidian waterfall to hide her face. She could feel hot tears welling in her eyes. This couldn't be happening. She was closer to her family than ever before! To be wrenched away from them like that? It was impossibly cruel.

She barely registered his question. Without raising her head, she muttered, "The Family Madrigal."