Chapter 2

A Bright Idea

When they got to the store, the man at the counter said, “We are out of ice and flashlights.”

“It’s going to be a dark night for us,” Papá said.

But Sofia saw something else they could use.

“Can we buy that pumpkin candle?” she asked.

“Why would we need a Halloween candle?” Papá asked.

“It will help us see tonight,” Sofia said.

“You are one smart girl, Sofia!” Papá said.

Sofia looked at all the Halloween items. Lots of them glowed in the dark.

“Papá,” she said as she looked at a big display. “Could we get some of those? I have an idea.”

She whispered her idea to Papá. He smiled.

“Muy bien. The family will have fun,” he said.

On the way home, Papá stopped by Abuela’s.

“No light and no TV,” Abuela said.

“Come home with us,” Sofia said. “We are having a cookout.”

“Family should be together when the power is out,” Papá said.

“Gracias,” Abuela said. “It is no fun to be in the dark.”

“It could be,” Sofia grinned.

Papá grinned, too.

“What are you two planning?” Abuela asked.

“Just wait and see,” Sofia said.

Back at home, Sofia walked across the yard to talk to her cousin, Hector.

“Can you bring your new drums over tonight?” she asked.

“Sí,” Hector said. “Anything else you need?”

They searched the toy box. They found Manuel’s fire truck and baby Mariela’s duck on wheels.

“Alonzo has something good, too,” Hector said. “I’ll bring it.”

Sofia rubbed her hands together. “Perfecto.”