Oh my goodness, but that was marvelous. I loved the beetles and their job and how that connected them with what Thomas was doing. And I love how some things were universally healing and hat the tortillas turn out purple! I love that he's a kid and how ritual is so vital to him. I teach in a school that is 90% Mexican-American, and ofrendas are such a huge part of the community. I honestly would love to share this story with my students as part of my language arts (aka English) class if you agreed (and totally understand if you don't want to). I would have to leave off the one swear word, though. :)