I nodded and stood up.
He held my upper arm and guided me out.
We could still hear the music, but near us the only sound was that of our feet crunching leaves.
Was he waiting for me to speak? I had to say something—but what?
A grove of dark green pines was before us.
“¿Cambian de color?” I thought I could ask but how would it sound?
I practiced it in my head. Do dose trees … those, Cristina, like the z in Spanish.
“Do those trees change color?” I pointed with my chin at the pines.
“No, they’re evergreens.”
“Like palm trees,” I said.
“Do you miss Puerto Rico?” he asked.
“A little,” I caught myself saying.
It was then I realized I wasn’t cold. And I wasn’t wearing a coat.
Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
Carmen T. Bernier-Grand (1947– ) is the author of many books for young adults. Bernier-Grand writes most of her books in English, her second language. She grew up in Puerto Rico speaking Spanish. Bernier-Grand says that she “thinks, writes, and dreams” in both languages. Her experience of living in different places plays an important part in the creativity of her writing. Today, Bernier-Grand lives in Portland, Oregon.