We try the number for the detention facility where Ma was taken first. I know Uncle Jorge said we won’t be able to reach my parents right now, but we have to at least try. Sophie sits very still next to me on the couch as we listen to a recording: “You have reached the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility. Our office hours are eight AM to four PM, Monday through Friday. If you are—”

I hang up angrily, and a second later I feel a surge of anxiety over my mom. Have they really taken her all the way to Buffalo? What’s that detention facility like? Is she okay?

Trying to push those thoughts away, I lift up my cell phone with a shaking hand. We try Hudson County Jail next, where Pa is supposed to be, and this time, a human answers the phone.

“This is Hudson County Jail. Officer Jones speaking.”

“Uh—hi,” I say quickly, pressing the phone harder against my ear. Sophie leans closer to me, trying to listen in. “I’m looking for Ernesto Garcia. I’m his son, and I was hoping I could just—”

“I’m unable to give out any information regarding inmates at this time,” the officer says in a bored voice. “Please call back during the hours listed on the website.”

I resist the urge to throw my phone against the wall. I picture Officer Jones sitting at his desk with a computer in front of him. He’s probably doing nothing, just browsing social media while he sips coffee. He could’ve helped. He could’ve just typed Pa’s name into his computer and told me something—anything. He could’ve told us if my dad is really there, if he’s doing okay. He just didn’t care enough to help.

When I look up the hours online, my fears are confirmed. They only take calls from Monday to Friday, so we’ll have to wait the whole weekend.

“I’m sorry, Sophie,” I say. “We’ll try again tomorrow.”

She frowns a little. “But tomorrow’s Saturday.”

“I know,” I say. “We’ll try anyway.”

Sophie and I quickly realize that there isn’t much to do without our parents around. We each take a shower and get ready for bed, but we’re both feeling antsy and not at all in the mood for sleep.

Luckily, I can think of something to keep us distracted. Pasiones is on tonight, and we already missed yesterday’s episode, so we need to catch up.

I let Sophie sit on the couch next to me. There’s no point telling her to go to bed, and I really don’t want to watch on my own. I’m sure Ma wouldn’t care, considering the circumstances.