“Sophie.” I sigh. A part of me wants to ask my sister what made her tell Kelly the truth about Ma and Pa, but deep down, I can’t help but feel as though this is my own fault. Maybe I should’ve had a talk with her sooner. I should’ve told Sophie that, even though Leslie’s family and our parents’ friends now know about what happened, it doesn’t mean we should tell everyone else. I should’ve explained to her that there are people out there who might say bad things, mean things, but that she shouldn’t listen to them.

I’m trying to think of something to say—something that will make my sister feel better—but I’m having a hard time coming up with anything. There’s anger boiling inside my chest—anger at Kelly, and at her parents, who surely say these things at home when no one else is around. Anger at the fact that even with all that’s happening, even after our family’s been torn apart, there are people who would rather see my parents on a plane back to Mexico than at home with their children.

Suddenly, I realize that Amy is standing in front of us. I look up at her, but she isn’t staring at me. She’s looking down at Sophie, and there’s a deep frown on her face.

“That’s not true,” Amy says. She kneels in front of the couch and holds both of Sophie’s hands in hers. “You do know that, don’t you, sweetheart?”

Sophie doesn’t say anything at all. She remains motionless, staring back at Amy.

“Sophie,” Amy says. “I need you to listen to me very carefully. What that girl said is not true.” In that moment, the air in the apartment becomes still. It’s as if all of us—Sophie, Jorge, me, and even Ellie—are holding our breath, listening to Amy.

“There will always be people who think someone is worth less than they are because of what they look like or where they’re from. But just because there are people who believe these things, it doesn’t make any of it true. Do you understand that?”

Slowly, Sophie gives a small nod.

“Your parents are good people, and they don’t deserve what’s happening to them. And, honey, you can’t forget that your worth isn’t based on what some silly girl at school says. Your worth is in here.” She points a finger at Sophie’s heart. “Can you promise you won’t forget that?”

Again, Sophie nods.

“Good.” Amy gets up from her knees. “Now come. Let’s eat those cookies. We can’t just leave them out.”

Sophie follows Amy back toward the dinner table, and while she starts eating the cookies, I’m left sitting on the couch feeling a little shocked.