The Sunflower: A Novel by Richard Paul Evans Page A

where he was born or the name of his parents. He was found wandering the streets of Cuzco. Ever since we got our cow last summer, he’s been our dairyman and very proud of that. He’s very dependable. You never have to tell him his duties.
    “Washington’s real name is Monterroso. He’s twelve years old. He has some recollection of his mother but doesn’t remember what happened to her or why he’s not with her. He has horrible night terrors. And he sings very sad songs.”
    Christine tied off the wire and climbed down. Paul moved the ladder. She climbed back up.
    “Gordon knows he has a father somewhere but doesn’t remember where to find him. He was found begging just outside Cuzco.
    “Samuel is thirteen. He’s from Puerto Maldonado. He was brought here by his family to find work but was abandoned after his arrival.
    “Joe comes from a large family. He wasn’t wanted and was forced out into the streets by his own parents. He’s a sweet boy. He’s very helpful and he sometimes leaves little treasures for me.”
    She climbed down from the ladder. “What kind of treasures?”
    “Pretty stones. Once he left me a cookie.”
    Paul dragged the ladder to the next post. He set the wire on the ground and worked out a knot.
    “Go on,” she urged.
    “Let’s see. Oscar is sixteen. He’s older than the other boys, but was beaten so severely by his mother that he suffered brain damage. He has the mental capacity of a six-year-old.
    “Jorge is nine. He knows where his mother is, but she also lives on the streets and has no way to provide for him.
    “Ronal was abandoned as a child. When he was five he was sold as a prostitute to foreign men. He ran away and was brought here. He keeps to himself and rarely speaks.
    “Deyvis is fifteen. He’s the most rebellious of the group. He also has remarkable integrity. He won’t eat until every other boy has been fed. At the age of seven he started a gang in Cuzco to protect the smaller boys from abuse and starvation.
    “Then there’s little Roxana. She’s very shy and stays away from the boys most of the time because they tease her. I’m teaching her to read. And of course there’s Pablo. He’s my little buddy. We came to El Girasol about the same time. In fact, he arrived just two days after I settled in.”
    “He idolizes you.”
    “I shouldn’t have favorites here, I love them all, but I think if I ever went back to the States, I’d try to adopt him.”
    “If you ever went back?”
    “If,” he repeated.
    “How often do groups like ours come down?”
    “Maybe a dozen a year. Mostly in the summer months.” Paul turned to her. “What is it that you do back home?”
    “I’m a dental hygienist.”
    “Those skills would come in handy down here.” He looked over at her. “I noticed that Jim and Jessica are getting along well.”
    “You think?”
    He smiled. “How long have you two been friends?”
    “Forever. Since we were kids.”
    “What does Jessica do back home?”
    “Pretty much whatever she wants. Right now she’s working at a public relations firm. Her dad’s a U.S. congressman, so she never has trouble getting work.”
    “Whose idea was it to come to Peru?”
    “Jess’s.”
    “But you liked the idea?”
    “Not really. Jessica’s…”—she searched for the right word—“strong-willed.”
    Paul nodded.
    “Speaking of which, she decided that we’re throwing a party tonight. We’re celebrating our last night in Cuzco. Would you like to come?”
    “Thanks, but we have our own party going on here for Pablo. The boys have been planning it for a month now.”
    “What are you doing for your party?”
    “I’ve been saving a cake mix. And the boys made a piñata.”
    “May I come?”
    Paul looked at her. “Are you serious?”
    “I think it sounds fun. Besides, you can’t throw a party for a dozen boys by yourself.”
    “What about Jessica’s party?”
    “I doubt Jessica would even notice if I wasn’t there.”
    He thought for a