Efren Divided chapter 17 by Ernesto Cisneros read aloud
Summary
TLDRIn this emotional chapter, Efren learns his mother has been detained at a checkpoint and will not be coming home soon. Overwhelmed by the news, he struggles to maintain strength for his children, Max and Mia. Amidst the heartache, they find solace in simple comforts like watching cartoons and eating cake, while Efren makes a promise to never give up on bringing his mother home. The chapter explores the resilience of a family facing separation and the unwavering hope that binds them.
Takeaways
- 😢 Efron is deeply affected by the news about his mother's situation, feeling a heavy weight on his chest and struggling to maintain composure.
- 👀 Max's hopeful eyes and Mia's concern show the children's emotional attachment and worry for their mother's safety.
- 🚔 The mother was in a van that got pulled over at a checkpoint, leading to her being held at a Detention Center.
- 👨👧👦 Efron's commitment to the children is evident as he promises to do everything he can to reunite their family.
- 😔 The reality of the situation is harsh, with the mother not being able to come home soon, causing emotional distress for everyone involved.
- 🍰 Efron tries to cope with the situation by sharing a carrot cake and watching cartoons with Max and Mia, attempting to bring some normalcy.
- 👶 The children, despite their initial reluctance, eventually find comfort in the simple act of eating cake and watching TV with Efron.
- 🏫 Efron asks Miho to continue taking care of the children's school responsibilities, showing his reliance on support during this difficult time.
- 💼 Efron contemplates finding alternative ways to earn money, like collecting water bottles for recycling, to support the family's needs.
- 🤝 Miho reassures Efron that they will not give up on trying to bring their mother home, despite the uncertainty and challenges.
- 😢 Efron's emotional outburst reflects his struggle with the unfairness of their situation and the longing for a simple life with his mother.
Q & A
What is the emotional state of the character after hanging up the phone?
-The character is emotionally overwhelmed, with a sense of a terrible weight on his chest and tears in his eyes, indicating deep distress or sadness.
Why does the character Efron ask if 'she' is okay?
-Efron is concerned about the well-being of a female character, who is revealed to be in a detention center after being pulled over at a checkpoint.
What is the significance of Max's 'Penny eyes' in the context of the story?
-Max's 'Penny eyes' symbolize his innocence and hopefulness, looking up at Efron for reassurance and good news.
How does Efron's mind react to the situation with 'she' being in a detention center?
-Efron's mind races with thoughts and emotions, flashing backward and forward, contemplating the future and the potential pain of separation.
What promise does Efren make to Max and Mia?
-Efren promises that both he and their mother will do everything they can to reunite the family, emphasizing the commitment to never give up.
What does the character suggest as a coping mechanism after the difficult news?
-The character suggests watching cartoons and eating cake as a way to momentarily escape from the harsh reality and find some comfort.
What is the significance of 'piojitos' in the story?
-Piojitos are Max's favorite, and offering them is an attempt by Efren to bring some normalcy and joy to the situation, despite the tension.
How does the character Efren respond to the request to continue taking the twins to school?
-Efren agrees to continue taking the twins to school, showing a sense of responsibility and commitment to the children's routine despite the crisis.
What does the character Miho promise regarding the situation with Jeremiah?
-Miho promises that they will never give up on trying to reunite with Jeremiah, who is being detained, showing determination and hope.
What is the character's emotional outburst about?
-The character is expressing frustration and sadness about the unfairness of their situation, yearning for a simple life with their mother, which seems unattainable.
Outlines
😢 Emotional Aftermath of a Difficult Call
The script begins with a character, presumably Efron, who is deeply affected by a phone call. He stands still, struggling to breathe due to an emotional burden. With tears in his eyes, he tries to brace himself for the news. A friend breaks the silence, revealing that a woman, presumably a mother figure, is safe but detained at a checkpoint and being held at a Detention Center. Efron is torn between wanting to ask more and the overwhelming emotions he's experiencing. The presence of children, Max and Mia, adds to the complexity of the situation. Efron tries to reassure them, promising never to give up on bringing their mother home, despite the reality that she won't be coming home soon. The scene ends with an attempt to find comfort in watching cartoons and eating cake, a moment of respite in the midst of their hardship.
🍰 Seeking Normalcy Amidst Uncertainty
In this paragraph, the characters are trying to find some semblance of normalcy after the distressing news. Efron suggests watching cartoons and eating a carrot cake, inviting Max and Mia to join him. Despite their initial reluctance, the children eventually engage, with Max showing interest in 'piojitos,' a special treat. The act of eating cake and watching SpongeBob SquarePants together serves as a temporary distraction from their worries. After the children fall asleep, Efron and another character, APA, discuss the practicalities of continuing life without the detained mother. Efron expresses his desire to take on responsibilities such as taking the twins to school, while APA reassures him of their commitment to bringing the mother back. The paragraph ends with Efron grappling with feelings of helplessness and the unfairness of their situation.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Detention Center
💡Checkpoint
💡Emotional Turmoil
💡Coyote
💡Recycling Center
💡SpongeBob
💡Piojitos
💡Never Give Up
💡Cartoon
💡Carrot Cake
💡Selfish
Highlights
Efron is emotionally overwhelmed after a phone call, feeling a terrible weight on his chest.
Ephraim reveals that the van carrying Efron's wife was pulled over at a checkpoint and she is now in a Detention Center.
Max looks up to Efron with hopeful eyes, seeking reassurance.
Efron struggles to deliver the news to Max and Mia about their mother not being able to come home soon.
Efron makes a promise to never give up on trying to bring their mother home.
Efron tries to distract the children by watching cartoons and eating cake.
The children fall asleep after watching SpongeBob SquarePants.
Efron and Miho discuss continuing to take care of the twins even with their mother detained.
Efron contemplates collecting water bottles for recycling to help financially.
Miho reassures Efron that they will never give up trying to reunite the family.
Efron expresses his frustration and desire for a simple life with his mother back.
Miho comforts Efron, acknowledging the unfairness of their situation.
Efron is torn between wanting to be strong for the children and feeling overwhelmed by the situation.
The family tries to find solace in small moments of normalcy, like watching cartoons.
Efron's emotional turmoil is evident as he struggles to maintain composure in front of the children.
The transcript highlights the resilience and determination of the family in the face of adversity.
The story emphasizes the importance of family bonds and the lengths they will go to stay together.
Transcripts
chapter 17. up I didn't say much after
hanging up the phone he simply stood in
place his breath sounded sounded like
there was a terrible weight on his chest
with tears in his eyes he finally
to clear his throat Efron braced himself
for the news only about didn't say a
thing he couldn't
there were so many thoughts so many
feelings scurrying around in a friend's
head some so horrible that he couldn't
bear the silence any longer is she okay
he finally asked
leaned in closer to Ephraim away from
Max and Mia she's safe he said his voice
thick and buried but the van she was in
got pulled over at the San Clemente
checkpoint she's being held at a
Detention Center
Efron was about to ask a question when
he felt a tug by his pants pocket it was
Max looking up at him big Penny eyes
gleaming with hope so I'm almost here
Mia rushed to his side to hear the
answer had friend's throat swelled and
choked him in a way he had never felt
before his mind flashed backward and
forward all at once he thought about
Lalo watching his daughter grow up from
behind a fence and imagine Max and Mia
trying to squeeze their little arms
through the fence just to hold hands
with a ma again
Efren darted his teary eyes in the
opposite direction and sucked in a
breath he wanted to be strong wanted to
pull himself together for Max for Mia
but he couldn't find the strength
that's when a paw went down on one knee
first gently resting one hand on Max's
shoulder then another on Mia's Miho
you're all your Amma loves you too
he interrupted himself and turned
briefly to Ephron u3 and she will do
everything she can to come home to you
and I will do everything I can to get
her here we will never give up nunca
that much I can promise you but no she
will not be coming home tonight she will
not be coming home tomorrow honestly his
voice broke mid-sentence she won't be
coming home anytime soon after sitting
at the kitchen table in silence I
finally picked up the carrot cake and
carried it over to the mattresses I
don't know about you guys but I am going
to sit here watch some cartoons and eat
this cake anyone want to join me Efron
turned to Max who then turned to Mia who
sat silently still wearing his her her
heavy frown
about held up his hand and wiggled his
fingers how about some piojitos Max's
head perked up piojitos were his
favorite but Efren wasn't sure he'd
accept them from APA after all that was
a mod special deal Max gave in he picked
up his fork and took a seat beside up
who immediately began scratching Max's
head in little on my circles Mia Efren
held up his hands and waved his fingers
at her they've been trained by the best
he sings song
Mia looked over at Max who was now lying
across outpaw's lap with a mouthful of
cake okay but don't expect me to like it
it didn't take long just three episodes
of SpongeBob for the twins to eventually
fall asleep I took a towel to wipe away
the smudges of frosting he could find on
the blankets
he and Efron headed to the kitchen where
most of the food remained untouched such
a waste up I didn't hear his mind seemed
to be on something much more pressing
Miho I don't have a right to ask this of
you it's supposed to be my job but could
you continue taking the twins to school
and picking them up Efren lowered his
head up we are going to try again right
maybe with a different coyote I can
start collecting water bottles and
taking them to the recycling center
maybe I can mijo APA interrupted his
eyes as red as eprin had ever seen them
Jeremiah is being detained I don't know
what's going to happen Efron was shaken
to the core so that's it we don't try
again Hapa reached over and gently
guided efren's chin up look at me mijo I
swear I will never give up on your
mother that is a promise
have friends emotions finding let loose
and what are we supposed to do without
her
we can do that's all we can do we make
do Lalo's words only now they make less
sense made less sense what if I don't
want to make do what if I want to be
selfish if I'm not asking for a huge
house with a fan a pool or fancy toys
I'm just asking for a mob back that's
all why he asked between hiccupy Subs
why can't I have that I ba wrapped his
arms a dollar him around him I know me
hope it's not fair I know
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)