This time, I didn't have to walk or fly. One minute I'm in Vuelda, the next I'm in front of the elevator in New York. Funny thing – I know the wings are there, I can feel them there, between my shoulder blades, but I can't see them. And someone else is there, but every time I think I see him, there's no one. It's very annoying.

'Oh really?" the voice in my head says. It's laughing. "You're a fine one to talk about annoying! If I remember correctly, you told your mother last year that you wanted your own cell phone for Christmas at least thirty times a day, even though you knew she couldn't afford it. Did you know that she cried every time you asked her? She tried saving up, you know?"

I walked over to the stream and tried to play with the hadas but they sat on the flowers and in the grass, looking beyond me at something. "What's up with them?"

"They're scared of me. They think I'll make them disappear. We didn't get along when we first met. But my mijo was their father."

"Esperanza, is that you," said Lilith, appearing on the pathway. "Who were you talking to?"

"I don't know. Whoever they were said they were Adam's father." Lilith fell on the soft grass I was sitting on. She looked at me as if I'd sprouted...well, wings, I guess.

"Honey," she said, taking both my hands in hers, "God...you know, G-O-D...he's Adam's father. Are you saying you spoke to God?"

I had to think about that. Because, you know, well – I'm the one who wants to talk to him! And, and, and...we've just been talking like best friends for the past two hours? AAAAAAH! Ooooooh! Oh! That just pisses me off! I could just scream! But he seemed nice. And kinda funny. Anyway, if we talk again, he is going to get an EARFUL!!

What I replied to Lilith was: "Yes, I am. Yes. Definitely."

Lucifer appeared in a rush of golden flames. "He was here. He was HERE, and neither of you thought to tell me?" He and his fire got right into my face, which is something no one should ever do.

"BACK OFF, Luce!" I shouted.

All his flames extinguished themselves. Luce looked at Lilith. Lilith looked back at him. Then they both looked at me.

"She couldn't have done that...," said Lilith.

"How did she do that?" said Luce.

"I certainly didn't do that..." declared Lilith.

"No, you couldn't have done that..." declared Luce.

A term my Tio would use whenever people couldn't figure things out popped into my head. He learned it from his gringo friend in school who was really smart. Most people have heard it and are too proud to admit that they don't know what it means. So, I said it.

"Occam's Razor."

"What? Lou, what is she..." Lilith is stumbling. I, however, am smiling.

"Occam's Razor: the simplest explanation is the best answer." Lou starts to laugh.

"And that is..." prodded Lilith.

"Well, the only one we know who is capable of doing that is my father. But since he isn't here, that leaves Esperanza. She did it after all. Which is impossible, but there you are. Come to think of it, she's been doing impossible things ever since she came here. What if..."

He paused for a good 60 seconds, which is the longest time I've ever heard him pause. Then, because I was feeling full of myself, and my mood was borderline pure mischievous, I walked up to him and, using my hands as if I were blowing sand on him, said – just for fun, not 'cause I knew what was gonna happen, but 'cause, you know...and said 'poof!'

And all his flames came whooshing back. I swear, if angels could pee, he'd have wet himself.

Lucifer was shaking – I couldn't tell if it was 'cause he was scared or angry or both. His hands were balled into fists, and he held his arms straight down against the sides of his body. His eyes were closed and he screamed out, "Daddy! You show yourself right now, or I swear I will fry this annoying little girl..."

I tapped his shoulder, He opened his eyes and glared at me. "What?"

"Poof!" I said again, and his fire went out again.

"STOP DOING THAT!" he yelled, and then I just couldn't help myself. I had a giggle fest. He glared even harder.

"You're really having way too much fun, Esperanza."

"Lucifer Morningstar, put yourself in my place. Wouldn't you?" And that simple statement broke his glare. He smiled, and even chuckled.

"When was the last time you had fun? You, and all your brothers? Is there a heavenly version of soccer? Or Scrabble? Divine Monopoly? Did God ever just sit down and play with you?"

His reaction said all I needed to know, and more. Much, much more.

"Voice in my Head?" I asked, "I know who you are now. Can we all meet in Eden? If that's okay with Lilith?" Lilith was nodding her head. "And I mean everyone, including my people from Vuelda who walked away?"

"Yes, Espe, we can. Now, I think, everyone's ready."