Efren Divided Ch 8
Summary
TLDRThe script presents a poignant narrative set in a household where the children, Max and Mia, are engrossed in playful activities while their older brother Efren, takes on the responsibility of caring for them. Efren struggles with the emotional burden of their mother's deportation, a secret he's been keeping from the twins. As the evening unfolds, the family dynamics are tested when a collect call from their mother ignites a series of questions about her absence. Efren is forced to explain the concept of deportation to the confused and upset twins, using the analogy of a story from a Dr. Seuss book to help them understand. The narrative explores the emotional turmoil within the family, the impact of immigration policies on personal lives, and the resilience of a brother trying to shield his siblings from harsh realities. The story concludes with Efren's growing anxiety about their situation, symbolized by his late-night internet searches and the haunting image of a divided North America, reflecting the deep-seated fears of families affected by immigration enforcement.
Takeaways
- ๐จโ๐งโ๐ฆ The story revolves around Efren, a young man who is taking care of his siblings, Max and Mia, while their mother is away.
- ๐ก The family is living in a challenging situation, with the mother having been deported and Efren trying to keep the children unaware of their circumstances.
- ๐ Efren is seen reheating pizza for the children, symbolizing the makeshift and improvised nature of their daily life.
- ๐ง The children are engaged in playful activities like making forts with their mattresses, indicating a sense of normalcy amidst their situation.
- ๐ A phone call from their mother brings mixed emotions, with the children showing excitement but also confusion and anger about her absence.
- ๐ Efren is struggling with the morality of his actions, such as taking food from a school's trash bin to provide for his siblings.
- ๐ซ The reality of their mother's deportation is slowly revealed to the children, with Efren explaining the concept to them in a way they can understand.
- ๐ค The children's questions about their mother's absence and why she was taken away reflect their confusion and the complexity of the immigration issue.
- ๐ Efren uses a Dr. Seuss book to help explain the situation, showing his effort to provide comfort and clarity in a difficult time.
- ๐บ The family's silence during dinner and the lack of engagement with their favorite show highlight the emotional impact of their situation.
- ๐ฐ The passage of time is marked by Efren's concern for his father's late return, indicating the heightened sense of vulnerability and fear they live with.
- ๐ Efren's online search for information about ICE checkpoints and the immigration situation reflects the family's anxiety and the broader social context they are a part of.
Q & A
What activity were the Twins engaged in at the beginning of the script?
-The Twins were busy turning over the mattresses and setting up fortresses.
How does Efren reheat the pizza?
-Efren reheats the pizza over the Comal, using wooden thunks to turn each slice on the griddle.
What does Efren feel when he looks at the food arrangement?
-Efren feels shame over what he has done, reminding himself that taking food from the trash bin isn't really stealing.
Why is Efren worried when the phone rings?
-Efren is worried that the call might be from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) looking for him or that he might already be in trouble.
What does Efren tell the Twins about their mother's situation?
-Efren tells the Twins that their mother was not arrested but deported, which means she was taken away because she was in the country without legal permission.
How does Mia react to the news about their mother?
-Mia becomes upset and acts out, expressing that she is mad at their mother for leaving them for so long.
What does Efren do to try to distract the Twins from their mother's absence?
-Efren tries to distract the Twins by preparing a meal, setting up a buffet-like arrangement, and later by reading them a story.
What is the significance of the Dr. Seuss book that Efren finds on the floor?
-The Dr. Seuss book is used as a metaphor to explain the concept of deportation to the Twins, relating it to the story of 'The Sneetches' where stars don't matter in the end.
Why does Efren search for information about ICE checkpoints online?
-Efren searches for information about ICE checkpoints to find out if there are any announced raids in their area that could affect them.
How does Efren feel about the possibility of being deported?
-Efren feels a deep sense of fear and anxiety about the possibility of being deported, which is evident in his late-night worries and the haunting images he sees on the ceiling.
What does the arrival of the black pickup truck signify in the script?
-The arrival of the black pickup truck initially causes tension and fear, as it is associated with ICE and deportation. However, it turns out to be a member of Rafa's crew showing off his new ride, which brings relief to Efren.
Outlines
๐ก Family Dynamics and Financial Struggles
The first paragraph introduces the setting of a busy household where the twins are playing while Efren, presumably their older sibling, is reheating pizza. It's revealed that the family is facing financial difficulties, as Efren uses wooden thunks to save on electricity and takes food from the school's trash bin. The family dynamic is further explored when the twins are called to dinner, and Efren tries to maintain a sense of normalcy by serving pizza and arranging a makeshift buffet. The paragraph ends with a phone call from 'Amma,' likely the mother, who is away, possibly due to immigration issues, causing tension and sadness within the family.
๐ฃ๏ธ Difficult Conversations and Emotional Responses
In the second paragraph, the family gathers for a meal where the truth about their mother's situation is revealed. Initially, there is an awkward silence as Max's plate remains untouched, indicating a sense of unease. Efren finally discloses that their mother was deported, not arrested, and explains the concept of being in a country without legal permission. The twins express confusion and a desire to give their mother permission to stay. The meal concludes with a somber atmosphere, and Efren tries to distract the children with a story, but the evening ends with the twins expressing their longing for their mother. The paragraph highlights the emotional toll that the mother's absence has on the family and the complexity of explaining immigration issues to young children.
๐ฎโโ๏ธ Fear and Protection in a Troubled Neighborhood
The third paragraph shifts the focus to Efren's concerns about their neighborhood and the potential threat posed by immigration enforcement. It contrasts the presence of a respected figure, 'Bar,' who is likened to a superhero, with the menacing figure of Rafa and his crew, who are seen as troublemakers. Efren's fear is palpable as he observes the crew from his window, worried about the implications of their presence. The paragraph also delves into Efren's online research about ICE checkpoints and the broader issue of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., which heightens his anxiety. The narrative ends with Efren's contemplation of the divisive issue of building a wall, reflecting the emotional and psychological impact of the current political climate on his family.
๐ Anxiety and the Reality of Immigration Enforcement
The final paragraph concludes with Efren's heightened anxiety about the possibility of immigration enforcement action. He is haunted by the idea of a border wall and the potential for police raids, which is symbolized by the sound of a key in the front door. The paragraph captures the constant state of alert and fear that characterizes the lives of undocumented families. It ends with a moment of relief as Efren recognizes the key's owner, suggesting a temporary reprieve from his worries but also highlighting the ever-present threat that looms over their lives.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กDeportation
๐กImmigration
๐กUndocumented Immigrants
๐กFamily Separation
๐กFear
๐กFinancial Struggles
๐กCultural Identity
๐กICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
๐กCheckpoints
๐กThe Wall
๐กCoping Mechanisms
Highlights
The twins are busy turning over mattresses and setting up fortresses while Efren reheats pizza on the comal.
Efren uses wooden thunks to turn the pizza slices on the griddle since the cheese doesn't stick when cold.
Max and Mia are on their mattresses, wrapping themselves in bed sheets to create a fort.
Efren feels shame over using food from the school's trash bin, but tries to push the feeling aside.
Efren receives a collect call from his mother, who has been deported to Mexico.
Mia is upset with her mother for leaving them for so long and refuses to speak to her on the phone.
Efren tells the twins the truth about their mother being deported and not arrested.
Max and Mia don't fully understand what deportation means and why their mother was taken away.
Efren uses the story of Star Belly Sneetches from a Dr. Seuss book to help explain the situation.
The family has a somber meal where no one eats, reflecting on the difficult conversation.
Efren tries to distract the twins with their favorite show on TV, but no one speaks or engages.
At bedtime, Efren struggles to read a book to the twins as they have more questions and tantrums.
Efren feels worried and anxious about his brother being out late and not returning home.
Efren recalls his father's stories of being a police lieutenant in Mexico and taking down dangerous criminals.
Efren is concerned about Rafa and his crew hanging out near their apartment and attracting trouble.
Efren searches online for information about ICE checkpoints and deportations, becoming increasingly fearful.
Efren is haunted by the talk of a border wall and the possibility of being taken away by the police.
Efren is startled when he hears the front door being unlocked, fearing it could be the police coming for them.
Transcripts
effort divided by Ernesto Cisneros
chapter 8.
later that night the Twins were busy
turning over the mattresses and setting
up fortresses while Efron reheated the
pizza over the Comal
like am I used to do
only like unlike my effort had a pair of
wooden thunks to turn each slice on the
griddle
because they were cold the cheese did
not stick you two better clean up the
mess you make got it but Max and Mia
were on their mattresses
busy wrapping themselves inside the bed
sheets Efren scooped up the last slices
and placed them each on a plate he
licked the dribble of the red sauce off
his finger and turned to watch the
little ones twisting around in their
fort
happy and worry free
how much longer could he really keep
them in the dark
all right little burritos he called go
wash your hands and come eat Mia spun
herself free and headed over to the
counter she stood on her tippy toes and
peeked over
what's for dinner
everyone Shrugged Grasshoppers and pasta
what else
Mia shot him a clear yeah right look
Pizza we're having pepperoni and
pineapple pizza so go wash up
Mia smiled and ran off cheering
Efren opened the top cupboards and
reached over for Rama's favorite platter
he then lined up the crackers and celery
sticks he'd collected from school see
you guys up and said it's like a
Sizzler's Buffet
he had
have to pick up more supplies from the
school the next day or be forced to dig
into the laundry mat money for sure
Efren looked down at the arrangements of
food and felt
shame over what he'd done he tried
pushing the feeling aside tried
reminding himself that taking fruit from
the trash bin wasn't really stealing
if only you
the phone rang a cold jail replaced the
shame
what if it was someone from Ice looking
for a bar what would he say what if it
was Abba what if he was already in
trouble
Efron reached for the phone hello
a voice recording spoke good evening you
have a collect call from
amma's voiced and slipped in Maria Elena
Nava
then come back to the recording
would you like to accept the charges
efren's heart race yes yes you're now
connected it was strange everyone
thought am I always managed to be there
when he needed her AMA see me who I como
te extraรฑo
I miss you too Sarah friend
Max and me are both good
is that Amma as Max Efren turned around
to discover the twins next to him
smiling from ear to ear
yes a friend said Nadine here let me hit
the speaker button
hola Ama hollered Max
when are you coming home
that was a promise I from wish she could
keep it
only Mia didn't answer when Amma asked
her
Efron covered the phone it's a ma say hi
to her
Mia crossed her arms and pursed her lips
Efron removed to send from the phone
I'm sorry Mia's acting weird you know
how she gets
I'm mad at AMA she cried for leaving us
for so long
Mia ever shouted back
tried hitting hiding the hurt is
she was right Mia was too young to
understand
that I found a room it's not much but
the owner's willing to wait for payment
tell him that I will need some money
soon okay
yes I'm I will I have to go I saw help
wanted a help wanted poster at the
drugstore nearby
my English didn't help me much in the
U.S maybe here in Mexico things will be
different
adios Los Quiero Mucho
we love you too right guys Maxwell
disarms white to show just how much
adios
Efron hadn't even set the phone down
when he felt kicked at his shin he
looked over at Mia who was winding up
for a second attack
why does a man need to get a job and why
is she in Mexico Mia kicked paled in
comparison to the sting of her question
everyone's side this was more more of an
up-back question however with him away
working all night it became one more
thing Ephraim would have to do okay okay
I'll tell you
the truth
the meal was filled with first it was
the first time a warm slice of pizza
ever sat untouched on Max's plate
so MIA asked her I slightly squinted at
her big brother
Efron strongman cried out for a slice of
pizza but Mia was right they needed to
talk
okay I'm sorry I didn't tell you to the
truth before
twice I was just trying to keep you from
worrying why ask Mia did something bad
happen
well yeah Amma got arrested
Max eyes went wide
rested what did she do
no Efron clarified not really arrested
deported
Max turned to Mia
what's deported
Efren took a breath it means that she
was taken away
why Mia demanded
who took her
immigration ice
Mia Shrugged La Migra Efron clarified
finally Mia seemed to understand
Mac
was it so clear did she do something
wrong no she didn't do anything wrong
then why did they take her
uh because she couldn't have she doesn't
have permission to be here
said a friend
well I give her permission
yeah me too added Mia
no not that kind of permission she's in
this country
she's not in this country legally
wait ask Mia Soma did break along
no well kind of I guess I don't know
Max was more lost than ever so amazing
Criminal she a spy
no oh geez Efren took a moment to gather
himself he looked around the room and
caught a glimpse of the Dr Seuss book on
the floor it's kind of like the snitches
story he explained think of it this way
people in the United States have stars
upon Taurus Max added yes Maxie upon
thars and Amma well she doesn't have any
Mia slammed your fist on the table
but
that doesn't matter at the end of the
book nobody cares who has a star and who
doesn't
I know said a friend I guess the world
hasn't gotten that far yet
the rest of the meal was spent in
silence
no one ate not even Max Efren collected
the untouched slices and saved them in
the fridge
he turned on the TV and searched for
their favorite show but even then no one
spoke a word
bedtime came a bit later than usual
efren's attempt to read the snitches and
others story simply fueled more
questions and of course more Tantrums
Efren offered me a herb unique kid plush
doll but she tossed it to the side no
she screamed I want a ma
everyone searched the book been for
anything that didn't involve a mom
character in one time in no time he
found an old favorite Clifford the Big
Red Dog
Max and meow each Shrugged at the book
careful or you'll tear it warrant Efren
taking the book and raising it high
above his head I'll read it to you after
you two get ready for bed
Max leaped across the mattress and
ducked under the sheets not Mia she took
her time listos as a friend
both twins knotted page after Page Max
and Mia followed along
again called Max after ever closed the
book
Evan pressed on his temples and rubbed
his eyes Okay one more time he said
before starting over
it wasn't until box had rested against
Efren
and me arrested rested on him that
everyone finally shut off the portable
nightlight
carefully he slipped out of Mac's wait
he shook up he looked up at the clock 9
35 pm
a past should have been home already
Efren couldn't remember ever worrying
about him like this I probably was
strong I always took care of the family
anytime there was a strange noise
outside or that whale of sirens nearby
it was about who would get up to
investigate in Mexico a Bible had just
made lieutenant in the police force
before coming to the U.S
and often told efforts stories about how
he and his men took down some of the
country's most powerful criminals real
drug traffickantes so having a bar
around was like having a superhero
watching over the neighborhood
protecting it from hoodlums who might
cause trouble
even nothing but boxer even in nothing
but boxers and black socks APA looked
tough and fearless
Evan couldn't imagine anyone wanting to
mess with him until now
standing up for his family in the
neighborhood was one thing standing up
against an entire country who wanted him
gone was another
Efron went over to the window and peeked
in between two of the broken blind slats
there under a fire flickering street
lights to Rafa in his crew
tailgating behind his souped-up Honda
Civic
Rafa wasn't a big guy but he was as cool
as he was skinny bony really he had a
huge smile and plenty of friends
especially little ones that's because
last summer when the power went out and
nobody had any c he flanked over a
paletero truck and bought
every kid in the block ice cream
still am I didn't like him hanging out
right outside their apartment
didn't like him at all said he attracted
trouble
and that's what Efren feared when the
black pickup truck approached with its
high beams on a few of Rafa's the guys
stepped forward with their hands
searching behind them
worried about what might happen next
Efron hasn't held his breath fortunately
the shiny black truck pulled alongside
the guys and the driver lowered the
windows extending his hand to greet
everyone
no doubt he was part of the crew there
to show off his new ride
Efren let out of breath and bent the
slats back in place
one thing he'd learned from helping Amma
in the laundry mat was that raids were
something sometimes announced online he
might be able to find some answers there
he waits for his school Chromebook
the House Wi-Fi signal was slow and
unreliable but at least it was theirs
other kids at school had figured out an
app to override passwords and get free
access from the neighborhood
but Amma had always insisted on paying
for their own
it was just the way she was wired
not wanting to wake the twins up Efren
shook his took his internet browsing to
the
to the empty bathtub and did a search
for Ice checkpoints in their area
normally reading in the tub was relaxing
and fun
not this time
search after search he found official
sites and swearing that ice did not
conduct random checkpoints yet he also
found cell phone footage of eyes pulling
people out of their cars and homes too
Efron shoot down on his fingernails any
one of these men could easily be a bomb
he clicked on another link the screen
immediately filled with headlines across
the country
images articles blogs stories about
undocumented immigrants
some positive most not he clicked on
articles sometimes videos of people
being taken from workplace
hospitals even homes
talk of a giant new walk
came up repeatedly
he could feel his
insights begin to quake as his fear of
apaguru even with the extra hours he
shouldn't be out this late
Ephraim was too tired too unmotivated to
home
everyone was too tired to unmove it
unmotivated to do homework he shut the
computer and went back to bed but
instead of sleeping he stared up at the
textured ceiling he followed the pattern
until images began to form at first the
images were simple a set of eyes here a
smile there but eventually the shades
became more elaborate
his eyes followed a curved line besides
an old water stain a picture of a
container soon emerged it was North
America broken in half
he looked away for a second but the
image refused to disappear
Talk of the wall haunted him
he'd ready petition asking that the
government strip citizenship from
Children of illegal immigrants like a
man about his stomach Twisted as he
looked over at the front door unsure if
the police would one day come
and bargain barging in to take him take
them all away
just then the sound of someone unlocking
the front door sent efren's blood
rushing he knew the sound of a boss Keys
jiggling but he couldn't relax until he
saw him crossing the doorway
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