At the outset of this story series, we set out to answer the question: what sets the Reyes apart? How are they like other families? What makes them different?

We put this question to Encarnacíon (Joaquín and Urita’s youngest daughter) one morning before she rushed off to school. Though we had found a quiet place in the shade to talk, that didn’t stop Encarnacíon’s nieces and nephews from gathering around to hear our conversation. Luckily, Encarnacíon is not easily distracted.