InotNedloh

KINDNESS AND DARK Thirteen-year-old Valentin is first introduced to what his father, Eduardo Escobar, does in the dark of night. Because of Ciu de Rio’s terrible reputation for trafficking, Valen learns that helping humans to safety comes with more risks than being noticed in the shadows. “Valentin. It is time.” When Valentin managed to open his eyes, he saw his father’s face, flush with moonlight. Bright, red letters from his alarm radio read 2:24, a time which this darkness could only mean was the middle of the night. “Papa,” Valentin croaked, sidling to the edge of his bed. His bare feet on the floorboards caused the old wood to creak with his weight. Eduardo raised a bent finger to his lips to shush him. “You must be… tranquilo,” he whispered. “Sí, Papa,” Valentin lowered his voice to match his father’s. “Estan aqui?” “And they need our help, you understand?” Nodding, Valentin hurried across the room to find his sneakers. “How do they make it this far?” “Kindness. And

KINDNESS AND DARK Thirteen-year-old Valentin is first introduced to what his father, Eduardo Escobar, does in the dark of night. Because of Ciu de Rio’s terrible reputation for trafficking, Valen learns that helping humans to safety comes with more risks than being noticed in the shadows. “Valentin. It is time.” When Valentin managed to open his eyes, he saw his father’s face, flush with moonlight. Bright, red letters from his alarm radio read 2:24, a time which this darkness could only mean was the middle of the night. “Papa,” Valentin croaked, sidling to the edge of his bed. His bare feet on the floorboards caused the old wood to creak with his weight. Eduardo raised a bent finger to his lips to shush him. “You must be… tranquilo,” he whispered. “Sí, Papa,” Valentin lowered his voice to match his father’s. “Estan aqui?” “And they need our help, you understand?” Nodding, Valentin hurried across the room to find his sneakers. “How do they make it this far?” “Kindness. And