“What can we do?â€? Falina scratched into the dirt for her sister to read.

“The ball is about to start!â€? Alina acknowledged.

They sat by the pond and struggled to come to terms with their situation.

“Sister,â€? Alina finally said, “If you will be my face, I will be your voice.â€?

Falina looked to her sister, not understanding.

“You will go to the ball,â€? Alina explained. “I will stay outside the window. Whenever someone speaks to you, I will answer and you will move your lips along with my words.â€?

Falina tried to say, “yes,â€? but all that came out was an ear-splitting squeal.

“Let us try then,â€? Alina said. “Good evening, my name is Alina.â€?

Falina mouthed along perfectly. Then she wrote in the dirt, “Why are we using your name?â€?

Alina took Falina’s hand and hurried down the road. “We’ve no time to argue about details, Falina. Let us go!â€?