Efren Divided Chapter 3 by Ernesto Cisneros Read aloud

Summary

In this heartfelt narrative, Max and Mia eagerly await their father, APA, after work, seeking connection despite his exhaustion. Their father, Efren, struggles with the reality of his wife's deportation, grappling with fear and responsibility as the family's protector. The story captures the emotional turmoil of a family torn by immigration policies, highlighting moments of joy, love, and the painful absence of their mother, who promises to return soon, leaving Efren with the heavy task of caring for their children.

Takeaways

• 👨‍👧‍👦 Max and Mia are often awake when their father, APA, returns from work and they eagerly seek his attention.
• 📚 APA tries to spend quality time with his children despite his busy and uncertain work schedule.
• 🏠 The family faces the reality of their mother's deportation and the emotional impact it has on them, especially on Efren.
• 👀 Efren is aware of the immigration raids and the fear they instill in his community, which affects even family outings.
• 👮‍♂️ The presence of ICE officers in public places creates a palpable sense of fear and tension for the family.
• 🏖️ The mother's absence is deeply felt, especially during family activities that she used to participate in, like beach trips.
• 📞 A phone call from the deported mother brings a mix of relief and further concern for the family's future.
• 📝 APA takes notes and makes calls, showing his efforts to manage the situation and stay connected with his wife.
• 🛌 Max and Mia are oblivious to the severity of their situation, enjoying their childhood while their older brother Efren worries.
• 👦 Efren is given the responsibility to look after his siblings in his mother's absence, highlighting his maturity and the weight of his role.
• 😔 Efren struggles with sleep and misses the comforting presence of his mother, indicating the emotional toll the situation takes on him.

Q & A

What is the usual state of Max and Mia when APA returns from work?

Max and Mia are often still awake when APA returns from work.

How do Max and Mia react when APA enters the apartment?

Max and Mia clamor onto APA's legs, with Max sitting on one foot and Mia on the other, calling for their turn to be lifted.

What is the sign that Max has something important on his mind?

Max's lips are pressed tightly together, indicating he has something important on his mind.

How does APA engage with his children when he has time with them?

APA engages with his children by playing soccer, going to the playground, or watching a soccer game on TV with them.

What is the main concern of Efren about his mother's deportation?

Efren is concerned because he can't think of anyone who has been deported and made it back to the neighborhood.

Why does APA take the family to Denny's for a special treat?

APA takes the family to Denny's because of a 'kids eat free' deal, intending to treat the family to something special.

What is the cause of the fear and nervousness at the Denny's restaurant?

The fear and nervousness are caused by the presence of two ICE officers wearing shirts with 'ICE' printed on them.

What is the nickname given to Efren's mother by her children and what does it mean?

Efren's mother is called 'Piojito' by her children, a term she used when she would run her fingers through their hair to soothe them to sleep, mimicking the technique she used to delouse the twins.

What is the promise that Efren's mother asks him to make on the phone?

Efren's mother asks him to promise to look after his brother and sister, especially Max, while she is away.

What is the emotional state of Efren after the phone call with his mother?

Efren is emotional and misses his mother deeply, wishing he could go to sleep and wake up to find the day's events were just a bad dream.

How does the script describe the bond between Efren and his mother?

The bond between Efren and his mother is described as very close and comforting, with her presence and touch being able to soothe him to sleep.