Efren Divided chapter 14 by Ernesto Cisneros read aloud
Summary
TLDRIn this poignant chapter, Efren, a young boy, navigates the bustling streets of Tijuana with his friend Lalo in search of his mother, Amma, who has been deported. The story captures the vibrancy of the community and the harsh realities of life on the border. After a chance encounter at a Taco Loco restaurant, Efren is reunited with his mother, and they share a warm embrace. Lalo, having experienced the perils of border crossing himself, offers to help Amma return to the U.S., despite the high cost and risks involved. The chapter highlights the resilience and determination of the characters as they face the challenges of separation and the pursuit of a better life.
Takeaways
- 👀 Efren observes the hardworking community through Lalo's car window, noting the contrast with American children's leisure activities.
- 📍 Lalo and Efren arrive at a wax museum, where Efren feels a mix of nervousness and excitement.
- 🏃 Efren rushes to Taco Loco restaurant after Lalo points it out, believing his mother might be there.
- 😊 A warm interaction occurs at the restaurant between Efren, his mother Amma, and the lady behind the counter.
- 🤝 Lalo is introduced to Amma, and she expresses gratitude for his help in finding Efren.
- 🍴 The group shares a meal together, discussing Amma's deportation and the challenges of crossing the border.
- 💸 Efren offers Lalo money to help with the costs of crossing the border, but it's not enough for the high fees.
- 🤔 Lalo promises to help Amma cross the border through his connections, despite the risks and costs involved.
- 👪 Amma expresses concern for her family, especially Efren, who has taken on extra responsibilities in her absence.
- 🛣️ Lalo arranges for Amma's border crossing through the hills, setting a time for the next morning.
- 🚴♀️ Amma shares her own daring border crossing story, lightening the mood and showing her resilience.
Q & A
What is the setting of the story in Chapter 14?
-The story is set in Tijuana, Mexico, with scenes taking place in Lalo's car, a wax museum, and a Taco Loco restaurant.
Why is Efren looking for his mother?
-Efren is looking for his mother because she has been deported and is not with him in the United States.
How does Lalo help Efren in the story?
-Lalo helps Efren by driving him around to look for his mother and later by arranging for her to cross the border back into the United States.
What is the significance of the wax museum in the story?
-The wax museum is where Lalo parks the car when they arrive in Tijuana, and it serves as a landmark that helps Efren orient himself in the new environment.
Why does Efren run to the Taco Loco restaurant?
-Efren runs to the Taco Loco restaurant because Lalo points it out as the place where his mother might be, based on a clue from a woman at the restaurant.
What is the relationship between Efren and Lalo?
-Efren and Lalo are friends, with Lalo acting as a mentor and guide to Efren in his quest to find his mother.
What challenges does Lalo face regarding his own immigration status?
-Lalo has been deported before, spent money on fake papers, and was arrested and sent back. He has a record that makes it difficult for him to get permission to return to the United States legally.
How much money does Efren give to Lalo to help his mother cross the border?
-Efren gives Lalo almost thirteen hundred dollars to help his mother with the expenses of crossing the border.
What is the significance of the story about Amma's own border crossing?
-Amma's story about crossing the border on the back of a motorcycle while seven months pregnant shows the lengths to which people will go to be with their families and highlights the bravery and determination of immigrants.
What is the plan for Amma to cross the border back into the United States?
-The plan is for Amma to cross the border through the hills with the help of Lalo's connections, which is a dangerous and expensive endeavor.
How does the story depict the struggles of immigrant families?
-The story shows the struggles of immigrant families through the separation of Efren and his mother due to deportation, the financial burden of attempting to reunite, and the emotional toll on family members left behind.
Outlines
😀 Reunion and Assistance
Efren, after being dropped off by Lalo, reunites with his mother, Amma, at a restaurant in Tijuana. They discuss the challenges of life in the city and Lalo's past attempts to cross the border. Amma expresses her concern for her family's well-being, and Efren offers the money he has to help Lalo with his border crossing attempt. Amma's deportation and the family's separation are highlighted, and Lalo promises to help Amma cross the border again, despite the high cost and risks involved.
😔 Trials and Tribulations
In this paragraph, Amma and Efren share a tender moment, discussing the hardships they've faced since her deportation, including Efren's responsibilities at home. Lalo returns to the table after making arrangements for Amma's border crossing, which is planned for the next morning. Amma shares a humorous story about her own border crossing experience, lightening the mood. The group toasts to Amma's safe return, and Lalo assures Efren of his mother's safety during the journey.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Efren
💡Lalo
💡Work Ethic
💡Deportation
💡Coyotes
💡Tortillas
💡Coca-Cola
💡Masa
💡Border Crossing
💡Family Separation
💡Financial Struggle
Highlights
Efren observes the busy lifestyle of the people around him, contrasting it with the leisure activities of kids in the US.
Lalo's words about making do resonate with Efren, reflecting their community's resilience.
Efren experiences nervous excitement upon arriving at the wax museum.
Efren's quick thinking leads him to Taco Loco restaurant where he expects to find Amma.
A warm interaction at Taco Loco between Efren and a lady who knows about his situation.
Amma's search for Efren and her concern for his well-being are evident.
An emotional reunion between Efren and Amma, showcasing their strong bond.
Lalo's introduction to Amma and her gratitude for helping Efren.
Amma's deportation story and the hardships she faced are shared over a meal.
Lalo's own experiences with border crossing and the challenges he faced.
Efren's attempt to contribute financially to help his mother cross the border.
Amma's emotional response to the realization of the financial challenge to reunite with her family.
Lalo's promise to help Efren and Amma, despite the risks and costs involved.
Efren's concern for his brother's well-being and Amma's worry about their separation.
Amma's pride in Efren's resilience and ability to take care of his siblings.
Amma shares her own daring border crossing story, highlighting her bravery and determination.
Lalo arranges a risky border crossing plan for Amma, showing his commitment to help.
Amma's humorous anecdote about her border crossing on a motorcycle while pregnant.
A toast to Amma's safe return, symbolizing hope and unity among Efren, Lalo, and Amma.
Transcripts
chapter 14. Efren stared out of Lalo's
car window noticing how everyone here
was busy with work even the kids he
grained his neck to follow a group of
boys loading plastic cranes crates into
a tiny shop and the US these same kids
would be busy skateboarding around town
or even burning off steam on the grass
field of the neighborhood School
it's what our people do we make do
Lalo's words stuck around like the musky
odor in the car here we are Lalo said
parking the car outside a wax museum
Efren leaned over catching side of the
giant Arco staring down at him a nervous
excitement now filled him
come on said Lotto your mom must be
worried mad about you he pointed ahead
don't worry I'll catch up
Efren bolted out of the car anxiously
scanning the area around him and when
that didn't work he turned to Lalo who
calmly jutted his chin had a romper
rompompeii colored Taco Loco restaurant
over there without a blink Efron broke
up into a Sprint and didn't stop until
he stood below the club super sign of
course this made perfect sense to him
where else would I mango she was sober
woman
amused and equally excited Effron rushed
inside the restaurant where a lady
behind a mosaic counter flattened out
rolls of Masa and a perfectly shaped
tortillas like Amma used to do back home
hola buenos dias
the lady offered with a warm smile no
gracias Efron answered searching the
Coca-Cola themed tables for Amma estoy
buscando a again wait are you Efren she
asked called his forehead yes but how
your mother told me all about you her
accent was thick but her English was
easy enough to follow she went down to
the Arco to look for you made me promise
I'd let you let you know if you came by
he scampered down the street as fast as
his legs could carry him he ran directly
under the huge Landmark huffing and
puffing Efren Efron turned catching side
of a ma who was already running in his
Direction
before he could say another word Emma
wrapped her arms around him and lifted
him off the ground like she used to when
he was younger Efren closed his eyes and
laughed as a mom began kissing every
spot on his face Emma held on for one
last squeeze before letting go of Efren
her glance shifted over to Lalo who now
stood by hands in Pocket smiling Efren
pointed at him AMA this is my friend
Lalo he helped me get here she
sandwiched Lalo's hand between hers
thank you I was so worried that
something had happened to him not this
kid he's got real smarts about him Hamas
smiled and pointed toward the restaurant
would you like to join us
Efron nodded at Lalo who agreed a Mayan
Efren sat together on the same side of
the table Guadalupe she called
in por favor the lady put down the Masa
and wiped her hands on her apron before
coming over with a bowl of chips and
salsa Lalo dug into the salsa with the
warm tortilla chips raving about the
entire menu he swore a ma had found one
of the best places in all of TJ then he
asked her where he she was staying and
how she liked the city Ahmad looked even
more tired than usual but continued to
smile even as she went over the details
of her deportation by the time Guadalupe
had brought in the tray of tacos covered
in green sauce alongside grilled nopales
and green onions the topic had changed
to coyotes and the dangers of trying to
cross the border I got ditched twice
myself Lalo said squeezing lime on each
of his tacos then I dropped Four G's on
some fake papers but ended up getting
arrested and sent back things are
different now even if my daughter's old
enough to petition on my behalf they'll
never give me permission not with my
record
he just stared at his food as if
embarrassed to look him on the eye there
was an awkward moment and all Efren
could do was swirl the straw and his
harito soda but there are others who can
get me across the line right um I asked
her words almost pleading yes Lalo
answered that kind of stuff's done by
organized groups but it's a very
expensive Efron reached under his shirt
and handed him all the money speaking of
here you go it's almost thirteen hundred
Lalo looked at effort and then back to
Amma we're talking 10 to 15 000 with no
guarantee Amazon's welled up even as she
held on to her smile so all we need now
is nine to fourteen thousand more
like I told Efren I know what it's like
being separated from family don't worry
I'll help you I've made some interesting
con connections over the years I can set
something up for you but this kind of
money he shook his head it won't be
through the Customs line are you all
right with that am I noted nervously
okay let me see what I can set up for
you yes please Efren chimed in Lalo took
one last massive bite and pulled out of
his phone before excusing himself a mask
his her chair closer to apron and cupped
her hands over his own me Hotel me how
are the himelos is Max behaving efren's
Mala nodded ciama both are good they ask
about you a lot she rested her Palm over
her heart and Europa I worry about him
so much he's exactly like you she took
her index finger and ran it down
ephron's nose bien guapos Los Dos Efren
blushed he's doing fine as much as he
wanted to he didn't mention anything
about a pause having taken on extra work
or having hurt his hand or even the fact
that he hadn't slept much since he'd
been she'd been taken away
she stared long and hard at Efren and
the same on my way she did whenever he
brought home a perfect report card or
lopsided paperweight she had no use for
even though she didn't even have a desk
or on a desk
how are you doing at French drugged fine
I guess I know while this has been
incredibly hard on you she said having
to watch over your brother and sister
especially your brother is not easy
trust me I know but like you're up by
you never complain somehow you just do
what needs to be done whether it's fair
to you or not everyone blinked faster
and tried breathing through his nose
anything to keep himself from tearing up
but when Amma reached for his hands and
pulled them toward her and kissed them
he couldn't help it Aman Efren laughed
as they each wiped away their tears and
look at us she said a pair of chiones
Lalo returned to the table tucking his
phone back into his pocket it's all set
tomorrow morning 4 AM sharp I'm on gas
sharing a nervous smile with Efren Efren
leaped out of the plastic chair and
uncomfortably hugged him back it will be
through the hills though she he said is
that okay Hills that will be easy she
turned to Efren and smiled did I ever
mention how I got into California in the
first place Efren shook his head I'm not
chuckled to herself like she did
whenever she told one of her stories
about growing up in Mexico
I came into the U in the the US on the
back of a motorcycle in 105 degree
weather she gestured to her belly while
seven months pregnant efren's eyes just
about popped out with me I'm a smile
shifted to the side of her face just
like efren's did when he smiled see and
Serio I'm not kidding the van that was
supposed to bring me over the bring me
overheated we were pretty much stuck in
the middle of the desert with no food or
water no way Efron said in total
disbelief
you were a real maseton had a head like
a watermelon but it worked out one of
the Lookouts a guy on a motorcycle ended
up having to give me a ride on my lap
again picture me on the back of a Harley
Davidson's sporting a huge barriga it
looked like I'd swallowed a beach ball
that friend shook his head I can't
believe APA agreed to that he didn't
know but this time my mom burst out
laughing you should have seen his face
when he saw me pull up to the drop-off
spot I know it sounds crazy but what
choice did I have Efron looked over at
Lalo will my mom be safe my friend
promised he'd look after her I trust him
Hamma held up her glass
her smile now a tad more comfortable to
a safe return to America both Lalo and
Efren reached for their sodas and to
Lalo AMA added our guardian angel
تصفح المزيد من مقاطع الفيديو ذات الصلة
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