She reached the stairs that led to the road at the entrance to the shopping plaza and looked down. There they were, crossing the street toward the bay. The traffic had stopped for the light, but one car whizzed from far down the street in the empty right lane, gunning straight toward them. Marisa opened her mouth to shout a warning, but there was no way Leslie could hear her. The car approached faster, and Marisa had a flash of insight, what life would be like without the two people she loved most in the world. The thought stole her hope.

At the last second, the car screeched on its brakes and slid toward them.

Leslie yanked Ana forward, and the two bolted to the far side. They'd barely touched the sidewalk when the car sped by.

Marisa leaned against the stair rail, breathing as if she'd just run a marathon, and watched as Leslie and Ana made their way to the water, untouched.

Marisa sat on the top step away from the crowds and watched them walk in the gentle waves. Ana was diligent to keep her dress lifted high, so it didn't get wet. She was careful with her things, the few she had. Her daughter had learned to appreciate possessions like most American kids never would. Not that Marisa wanted that for her. She wished she could spoil Ana like Daddy had spoiled her.

If only Ana had a father like that.

Any father at all.

Marisa checked her watch—not even the quality of a Timex. It was nearly time to meet back at the restaurant. Marisa had assumed Nate would eventually find her—she wished he had—but when he didn't show, she figured she'd wait for Leslie and Ana and head back with them.

The two were walking back toward the road now, shoes and shopping bag hanging from Leslie's hand. Ana kept stopping to pick up shells. The two made a beautiful picture against the fading light of the setting sun. If only Marisa and Ana could return to the States. They could all be a family.

And there was Nate, on the sidewalk on this side of the street, right below her. He must have left from a different entrance and been circling. He spotted Marisa, and she waved and pointed at Ana and Leslie just as they reached the crosswalk.

Though the light hadn't turned red, a van stopped suddenly on the street in front of Leslie and Ana. Another car's horn blasted, and the car barely avoided crashing into the back of the van.

Nate had turned back to Marisa. She pointed at the van. He glanced at it, then back. His eyes widened, and he opened his mouth to yell.