As the sun rises over the small Nicaraguan village, the roosters crow, and Luna rubs the sleep from her eyes. The early wake-up call means it’s time to walk two miles with Mama to fetch water for today’s chores. She slides her feet into her too-small shoes and grabs her small bucket. By the time they walk back, the air is sticky and the sun is high in the sky. Luna struggles to keep the water from splashing over the side, but she knows better than to complain. She walks by girls skipping to school in their uniforms and freshly braided hair while Mama urges her on. Oh, how Luna would love to be running with them!

After water delivery, they hurry to the garbage dump. Today’s goal is just like any other. Find enough recyclables to sell so they can buy food for the day, perhaps a tortilla or mango. It may not fill Luna’s belly, but it takes the edge off her hunger That night, Mama lays down beside her, whispering, “Maybe one day, life will be better.” Mama rubs her own belly as the baby moves inside, and Luna knows Mama is thinking about her new sibling, too.