The Trial of Maria Juliana

Liliana came into the Capitan del barrio's house to file a complaint against Maria Juliana. She insisted she had caught her creeping like theft under her ramshackle hut. She had terrified them.

"That was before twilight yesterday," Liliana started. "I was preparing our dinner. I noticed a rustle under the floor. I thought it was just a cat. I stomped my foot to shoo it.

Nenita, the Capitan del barrio's secretary, paused typing. She widened her eyes at Liliana's account.

Arturo exhaled thick smoke. It blocked Nenita's view of Liliana. She coughed lightly. He put the tobacco down the varnished bamboo ashtray and gestured at Liliana to continue.

"The rustle didn't go away. I got out to check what was under my hut," Liliana lowered her voice. "When I hunkered down, I saw Maria Juliana."

"What did you do then?" Arturo said.

"I called her name," Liliana quavered. "Her face," she broadened eyes, "was monstrous."

Nenita stopped typing. Her eyes dilated again.

***