Efren Divided chapter 12 by Ernesto Cisneros read aloud
Summary
TLDRIn this chapter, the twins are excited about buttermilk pancakes from Denny's, but the main focus is on Efren's journey. He is sent to Tijuana alone to meet his deported mother, despite the risks and his fears. With the help of a kind taxi driver named Lalo, who shares his own story of deportation, Efren navigates the unfamiliar city. The narrative captures the emotional turmoil of separation and the hope of reuniting with loved ones, set against the backdrop of the challenging border reality.
Takeaways
- 🌅 The story begins early in the morning with the twins excited about going to Denny's for buttermilk pancakes.
- 🤗 The twins are taken to a daycare run by Adela, a kind and well-liked lunch lady, after a stop at an Arco station for gas.
- 🚗 Efren is apprehensive about a two-hour drive to San Diego and is given money to play a claw machine, an unusual treat.
- 👶 Max chooses a panda bear with shifty button eyes, while Mia is intrigued by a possibly mis-sewn animal toy.
- 🚫 Efren is not interested in playing the claw machine, acting as if it's the last time he'll see his friends, hinting at a secret.
- 📝 Efren is handed contact information for his cousin Miguel 'just in case', indicating a sense of risk or uncertainty.
- 🚘 The journey to San Diego is filled with Efren's internal struggle and the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Ocean.
- 🛃 At the San Clemente checkpoint, Efren worries about the border patrol, showing his fear and anxiety about the journey.
- 🏭 Efren is reminded of his mother's comforting touch and the courage he needs for the task ahead, emphasizing family importance.
- 🚶♂️ Efren crosses the border alone, pretending to be part of a family to blend in, highlighting the risks immigrants face.
- 🚖 Efren meets a taxi driver named Lalo, who shares his own story of deportation and the harsh reality of life in Tijuana.
- 💭 Efren contemplates the possibility of not being able to return to the U.S., reflecting on the complex choices faced by immigrants.
- 📍 Lalo gives Efren directions to the Arco on Revolution Avenue and warns him about the dangers of straying off the main streets.
- 🅿️ Efren is dropped off near a McDonald's where he feels a sense of relief and reassurance in the familiar surroundings.
Q & A
Why were the twins not asleep at the early hour?
-The twins were not asleep because they were excited about the idea of having buttermilk pancakes from Denny's.
What activity did the twins rarely get to do?
-The twins rarely got to play the claw machine.
Why did APA give playing money to Ephraim?
-APA gave playing money to Ephraim so he could play the claw machine with the twins.
What was Adela's role in the story?
-Adela was the lunch lady whose duplex apartment doubled as the school's unofficial daycare.
Why did the twins' smiles vanish when their father handed Adela Miguel's contact information?
-The smiles vanished because it seemed as if their father was preparing for a situation where he might not return, making the situation awkward and uneasy.
Why was Efren going to Tijuana alone?
-Efren was going to Tijuana alone because it was something he had to do for his mother and the entire family; it was their only plan.
What was Efren's emotional state during the drive to San Diego?
-Efren's emotional state was nervous and apprehensive, as he was scared about crossing the border alone and worried about what could happen.
What was the significance of the San Clemente checkpoint?
-The San Clemente checkpoint was significant because it was a random border patrol spot to catch people coming up from the border, which made Efren uneasy about his return.
Why did Efren choose the taxi driver named Lalo?
-Efren chose Lalo because he reminded him of Rafa from his neighborhood, and he felt a sense of familiarity and safety with him.
What did Lalo mean when he referred to Tijuana as 'limbo' and 'the land of the Forgotten'?
-Lalo referred to Tijuana as 'limbo' and 'the land of the Forgotten' to describe it as a place that is not quite Mexico or the U.S., implying it's a place where people are stuck and forgotten.
How did Lalo's story about his daughter affect Efren?
-Lalo's story about his daughter made Efren question the idea of crossing over to the U.S. and whether it was really an option for him and his family.
What was Efren's final destination in Tijuana?
-Efren's final destination in Tijuana was the Arco on Revolución Avenue, where he was supposed to meet his AMA.
Outlines
🥞 Early Morning Adventure to Denny's
The story begins with twins who are excited about going to Denny's for buttermilk pancakes instead of sleeping. Their guardian, APA, indulges them and even allows them to play the claw machine, a rare treat. Max and Mia show interest in different toys, but their cousin Ephraim seems distant, aware of an impending separation. After the fun, the twins are dropped off at Adela's, who runs an unofficial daycare. APA then takes Ephraim on a two-hour drive to San Diego, hinting at a significant journey ahead. The narrative captures the contrast between the carefree morning and the tension building around Ephraim's secret mission.
🚗 Journey to Tijuana: A Family's Struggle
Ephraim's journey continues as he crosses the border to Tijuana alone, a mission critical for his family. Despite the fear and uncertainty, he is determined to be brave for his mother. The drive is filled with both the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and the anxiety of the checkpoint at San Clemente. Upon arrival in Tijuana, Ephraim navigates the unfamiliar streets, seeking a taxi to take him to a specific location. He encounters Lalo, a deported man with a strong sense of responsibility towards his daughter in the U.S. Lalo shares his perspective on Tijuana being a 'limbo' and the difficulties of re-entry. Ephraim, influenced by Lalo's story, begins to question the feasibility of his own situation. The encounter ends with Lalo refusing payment, urging Ephraim to find his mother. The narrative highlights the complex emotions and the harsh realities faced by those dealing with deportation and family separation.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Buttermilk Pancakes
💡Claw Machine
💡Unofficial Daycare
💡San Diego
💡Tijuana
💡Border Patrol
💡Deportation
💡Arco de la Revolución
💡Toll
💡Notarizing Letter of Permission
💡Limbo
Highlights
Twins are awake early due to excitement over Denny's buttermilk pancakes.
APA takes out one dollar bills to play the claw machine, an unusual treat for the twins.
Max and Mia show interest in different toys at the claw machine.
Efren is uninterested in the claw machine, hinting at a deeper concern.
Adela, the lunch lady, runs an unofficial daycare from her apartment.
APA hands over Miguel's contact information to Adela as a precaution.
The group makes a stop at the Arco station to fill up the Chevy for the San Diego drive.
Efren feels anxious as they approach the San Clemente checkpoint.
Efren is reminded of his mother's comforting presence as he travels.
Efren is determined to cross the border alone for his family.
Efren is instructed to act naturally and not to worry upon crossing the border.
Efren is given specific instructions on how to navigate to the meeting point in Tijuana.
Efren encounters a taxi driver named Lalo who offers to help him.
Lalo refuses to charge Efren for the ride, showing empathy for his situation.
Efren is advised by Lalo to be cautious and avoid the police.
Lalo shares his perspective on Tijuana as a place of limbo and forgotten people.
Efren's perception of Tijuana changes as he finds comfort in familiar surroundings like McDonald's.
Transcripts
chapter 12. it was so early that the
twins should have been simply still been
asleep but the idea of buttermilk
pancakes from Denny's had them both Wide
Awake they bounced in place while APA
reached into his wallet for one dollar
bills so they could play the claw
machine something they almost never got
to do Max pointed to a tiny panda bear
with Shifty button eyes while Mia oogled
what could have been a koala or a badly
sewn spot
or APA asked extending a bit of playing
money to Ephraim too Efren wasn't
interested it wasn't that he didn't like
playing the game it was that a paw was
acting like this would be the last time
he'd see any of them like he knew
something he wasn't telling
after topping off the twins with plenty
of dessert up I'll drop them off with
Adela the lunch tiny lunch lady whose
duplex apartment doubled as the school's
unofficial daycare
she wasn't cheap but she was kind and
easy going and always wore a smile
all the kids love the kids loved being
around her but even her smile vanished
turned all awkward and uneasy when I
handed her his cousin Miguel's contact
information just in case
with the twins taken care of a Pomade
one final stop at the Arco station to
fill up the Chevy for the two-hour drive
down to San Diego Efren sank into the
passenger seat and waited inside the
truck feeling his stomach tightened as
the numbers on the gas pump gauge Rose
even with its huge gas tank the truck
didn't seem to take long to fill
upon got behind the wheel and looked
over at Efren as if giving him one last
chance to change his mind listo yep
Ready Efron forced to smile in spite of
what APA had told him over and over
again he really did not have a choice
going into Tijuana alone was something
he had to do for Amma for the entire
family this was the only plan they had
he needed to be brave for the next hour
or so a friend rested his hand to get
head against the passenger window
catching the occasional side of the Blue
Waters of the Pacific
his eyes followed the white silhouettes
of ships Out on the Ocean as well as the
foamy trail that followed them like tiny
snails Efron marveled at the thought
that there were people out there today
possibly entire families enjoying the
beautiful day he tried Imagining the
size of the boats wondering what it
might feel like to have an ocean breeze
hitting his face the slowing of traffic
caught akron's attention a pie is at a
toll no me ho that's the San Clemente
checkpoint don't worry it's closed right
now the border patrol opens it randomly
to catch people coming up from the
border but Efren shifted uncomfortably
what if it opens as we come back
a pop padded up front shoulder we slow
down and let them wave us through we'll
be fine promise that from the stomach
churned but all he could do was lean on
the door and let his face rest against a
sun warmed window that reminded him of
hot chocolate fresh freshest that I used
scalp massages from Amma Efren could
almost feel himself cuddling by her side
feeling her gentle fingers running
through his hair along with her firm but
Soothing Nails sweeping along his scalp
we're getting close mijo Efron shut his
eyes but stayed awake
he was nervous about crossing the border
alone scared about what could happen but
thinking about how Mom gave him the
courage he needed I've got to do this
I'm off for you this is pointing to the
large sign San Isidro last U.S exit
Efron sat up as a pot turned off the
highway and made a ride over the bridge
Efren watched the streams of people
strolling along the sidewalk most
carrying backpacks their ages as
different as the shades of their skin up
I had a red trolley caught his eye look
up ah it's like a toy from one of those
Thomas the Tank Engine table sets at the
stores only a pod didn't answer he had
other things on his mind mijo you have
the money right everyone patted the
small Satchel secretly Stat or stashed
secretly underneath his shirt yep
what about the pesos for the taxi
remember you want to fit in that friend
searched his front pocket check and and
my identification card and your
notarizing letter of permission to Efren
held up both items
pulled into a small parking lot I'm
sorry mijo it's not you I don't trust
don't worry I know the plan go through
the revolving doors follow the crowd
until I get to the other side take a
taxi down to Avenida revolucion ask for
the arrow Arco apoc corrected
simultaneously miming an arch with his
hands like the station where we gassed
up today it's huge you can't miss it now
for a knocked at his temples as if
forcing the information into his head
Arco Arco got it Ahmad will be waiting
next to it at the Taco Loco up on NADA
before stepping out of the truck and
leading Efron to a ramp heading toward
the Mexican entrance hasta Ki Diego I
can't get any closer
Efren nodded knowing that APA had gone
as far as he could I got this up uh of
course you do just remember act like you
belong and don't worry I will be here
when you get back
Efren walked up to a long concrete
Corridor decorated by curved metal
blades overhead he blessed himself took
a deep breath and followed closely
behind a middle-aged couple with three
young boys pretending to be their fourth
he went through the revolving doors and
before he could really figure out what
had happened he found himself at the
other side just like that Efron searched
his pockets clenched the taxi money in a
tight Fist and made his way down the
cement and walkway full of Street
vendors a few as young as Max and Mia
no matter how much it hurt to see or him
to see Efren knew he couldn't kind of
get distracted with other people's
problems he needed to stay focused
amai's waiting thinking of her helped
him Quicken his step Dr and masmarato a
man called to him Efron looked up he was
heading toward a row of taxi drivers all
on street clothes each vying for his
business great all his life he'd been
told to never get into a car with a
stranger now Not only was he doing
exactly that he was doing so in a
foreign world he didn't know Efren
surveyed the man pausing at the oldest
gentleman with the receding hairline he
was just about to approach him when the
man took a puff from his cigarette no
thanks Efren hated that ashy smell
suddenly a voice cried out yo little man
you need to lift well the voice itself
wasn't familiar the way the the man
spoke was it reminded Efren of Rafa back
in the neighborhood he turned in the man
still keeping a safe distance he wore
distressed baggy blue jeans and a beige
t-shirt that showed off his thick arms
he had a detailed tattoo of a baby girl
that curled around his neck and a
weathered face that somehow reminded
Papa
English really well Efron told the guy
yeah after 28 years in the U.S I'd
better he looked around a bit little man
you alone not sure of what he should say
Efren stayed quiet man this ain't no
place for a kid like you name's Eduardo
people call me Lalo come on I'll take
you wherever you need to go Efron
hesitated at first but knew he didn't
have much Choice can you take me to the
Arco on revolucion Avenue Lala went all
bug-eyed downtown you serious it's all
right I can handle myself nah man Lalo
said I ain't dropping off a kid there
you have to Efren didn't see any choice
but to admit I'm meeting my AMA there
she got deported the guy gave Efren a
quick look over ow chinata that changes
things all right little man you got it
Efren followed him to his car and gone
into the back seat only there was no
seatbelt to be found and it made him a
little uncomfortable so that Prince had
nervously you said you lived in the U.S
what are you doing here Lala laughed out
loud really loud it's not by choice
that's for sure I got myself deported
that's pretty much all there is to it
Efron looked around at the stains and
tears on the upholstery why don't you
find a koyote to get you back across
again he laughed little man you don't
just go back it ain't that easy
Efren studied the site of Lalo's neck
tattoo is that your daughter here with
you Efren could see the man crinkle his
forehead through the rearview mirror
little man you sure ask a lot of
questions and how you know I have me a
little girl your tattoo Efren said
pointing Lalo laughed looked a little
man I do what I can for her she knows I
love her if I didn't I'd have my lady
bring her over here so I could be with
her what do you mean it's simple I love
my girl want what's best for her look
around do you really think this is the
place to raise her nah she's way better
off in the U.S there she can make
something of herself be someone not like
her old man Efron went quiet and thought
about what he'd said I don't get what
makes Tijuana so bad Lotto finally
offered a genuine smile this place is
limbo man a place not quite Mexico not
quite the U.S La Tierra de los obidados
the land of the Forgotten you don't get
a name like that for nothing Efron tried
to distract himself by reading every
billboard he passed beer clubs women
that's mostly already saw advertised but
he simply couldn't get what Lalo had
said out of his head what if he was
right what if crossing over wasn't
really an option if Lalo cannot find a
way to be with his own little girl then
what chance did suddenly the entire city
felt even larger than before the cars
the people they were all moving so fast
that friend couldn't he couldn't let
himself finish the thought Lalo I gotta
pee Lalo cut across to busy Lane and
point besides
all right little man he said pointing up
ahead you're gonna you gonna cross
Benito Juarez Street and make a right
there's a McDonald's right there use the
restroom and then go across the
marketplace you'll find the Arco de la
Revolution up ahead you'll be safe as
long as you stay on the street be
careful
do not go anywhere else and don't talk
to no police they can be dangerous too
got it Efron nada I got it he stepped
out of the car and reached for the money
how much I owe you a lot of Scot No Way
Homes you go find your mom that's all
the payment I need all right all right
Lalo will do and just like that Lalo
pulled away in what was probably an
illegal U-turn Efron walked past an
empty shoe polish stand and smiled as he
set eyes on the two golden arches
overlooking the entire Street McDonald's
suddenly this place didn't feel as scary
anymore maybe Abba was wrong maybe it
wasn't as bad as he thought Efren padded
his shirt feeling for the hidden Satchel
underneath and maybe finding a ma was
going to be a lot easier than he thought
too
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