www.masbakersfield.com

A sickening trace of guilt filled Maggie: she regretted having caused the nightmare to resurface, and yet, the tale was too good to have passed up. It was unlike any other Cipitillo story she'd ever heard.

Niña Tilla finally looked up at Maggie, her voice still full of tremble. “What was your name?”

“Magdalena De La Torre.”

“Your family is Salvadorean?”

“My mother's side is.” She smiled, closing her notebook.

“And your father's?”

“He was so mixed, he didn't know what ethnic background to claim.”

The candy vender attempted to smile back. “This book you kids will write, it will be sold in America?”

Maggie nodded. “I grew up, wishing I knew more about my mother's heritage. I used to sit and listen to my grandmother tell stories of La Ziguanaba and El Duende. There was a story about my great-grandmother seeing El Cipitillo dancing in a pile of ashes.”

Niña Tilla placed a hand against her chest, sighing. “I believe my brother came across the island of the devil himself. By taking the gold that they found, they brought the devil back home with them.” Her eyes met Maggie’s. “My brother lived a long time. He died only two years ago, but he lived in fear of his life. He never rested, waiting for the creature to come back for him.”

“I understand how much you wanted to keep this story to yourself. I can see it’s still a painful memory, even after all these years. I am very grateful that you chose to share it with me.”

The woman shrugged. “What use is that story to me now? I am old. Soon, I will die. If it is useful to you, then it is your story now.”

“Thank you; I really do appreciate you taking the time to talk to me.” Maggie brushed her damp hair back, satisfied with the notes she had taken. “How much do I owe you for the candy?”

“Your boyfriend paid for it with the dollars.”

It was a common misconception – Maggie was used to it. “He is not my boyfriend.”

“Good.” She folded the rosary beads under her apron, turning her attention back to her vending as a group of people came walking down the street. “Dulces! Dulces!”

Chapter Three coming soon