Efren Divided chapter 10 by Ernesto Cisneros read aloud

Summary

In this poignant narrative, Efren grapples with the harsh realities of life and the complexities of family, friendship, and responsibility. The story unfolds as Efren, a young man with a heavy heart, is nudged by his father, APA, to confront the day despite the dark circles under his armpit—a symbol of the burdens he carries. APA's tireless efforts to raise money to bring back Amma, their mother, inspire Efren to take action and seek solutions to his own problems. The plot thickens when Efren learns that Jennifer, a fellow student and friend, has been deported, which triggers a profound sense of injustice and motivates him to run for ASB president to raise awareness about the plight of immigrants. This decision, however, strains his friendship with David, who feels betrayed. Amidst the turmoil, a glimmer of hope emerges when APA secures the funds needed to bring Amma home, offering a moment of respite and joy to the family. The story is a powerful exploration of resilience, the immigrant experience, and the transformative power of community and solidarity.

Takeaways

• 👨‍👦 Efren is a caring figure, showing concern for his younger siblings Max and Mia, as well as his friend Jennifer.
• 🛁 Efren is found asleep in the bathtub, indicating the stress and exhaustion he is experiencing.
• 💼 APA is working overtime to raise money to bring back Amma, showing the family's dedication and the sacrifices they are making.
• 📚 Efren is determined to solve his problems and decides to confide in his friend David, highlighting the importance of their friendship.
• 🏫 Efren arrives early at school with the intention of speaking to David, but learns that Jennifer has dropped out of the race and school.
• 😢 Jennifer's deportation deeply affects Efren and Han, revealing the personal impact of immigration enforcement on their community.
• 🌱 Jennifer's message about being seeds, not buried, inspires Efren to take action and run for ASB president in her place.
• 🏛 Efren's decision to run for ASB president leads to a falling out with David, showing the complexity of personal choices and their impact on relationships.
• 👕 At the laundromat, Efren's encounter with David further strains their friendship, leading to a heated exchange and David's departure.
• 📈 Efren's research into detention centers for kids exposes the harsh realities that children face, which deeply upsets him.
• 👪 APA's good news about joining a 'kundina' (a rotating savings and credit association) brings hope and relief to the family's financial situation.
• 🌈 Despite the challenges, Efren, APA, Max, and Mia enjoy a moment of happiness at the playground, symbolizing the importance of family and resilience.

Q & A

Why did Efren feel the need to take a shower?

Efren felt the need to take a shower because he had a dark circle on his armpit, which he felt was unprofessional for going to work at A la Pesto.

Why did Efren fall asleep in the bathtub?

Efren fell asleep in the bathtub because he was reading and became tired, which led to him accidentally dozing off.

What was the surprise that Efren and APA discovered about each other?

The surprise was that APA still had the strength to lift Efren out of the bathtub, and Efren was surprised that APA could still do so despite his age.

Why did Efren decide to run for ASB president?

Efren decided to run for ASB president to bring attention to the issue of deportation and to continue the fight that Jennifer, who was deported, started.

What was the impact of Jennifer's deportation on Efren?

Jennifer's deportation deeply affected Efren, making him realize the harsh realities of deportation and motivating him to take action by running for ASB president.

What was the reaction of David when he found out Efren was running for ASB president?

David felt betrayed and hurt, accusing Efren of stabbing him in the back, and claimed that he didn't need Efren's friendship to win the election.

Why did Efren feel conflicted about running for ASB president?

Efren felt conflicted because he valued his friendship with David and didn't want to hurt him, but he also felt a strong need to take a stand on the issue of deportation.

What was the significance of the Mexican saying that Jennifer's mom used to say?

The saying, which translates to 'They tried to bury us, but they didn't know we were seeds,' signifies resilience and the ability to grow and thrive despite adversity.

How did APA manage to raise the money needed to bring Amma back?

APA joined a kundina, which is a type of rotating savings and credit association, where members contribute money and take turns borrowing from the collective fund.

What was Efren's emotional state after the fallout with David?

Efren was upset and felt guilty about the fallout with David, as he didn't intend to harm their friendship, but he felt compelled to run for ASB president for a cause he believed in.

What was the family's reaction to APA's good news about raising the money?

The family was overjoyed and relieved. They spent time together at the playground, playing tag and enjoying each other's company, which brought a sense of happiness and normalcy amidst the challenges they faced.

Outlines

00:00

😴 Morning Routine and Unexpected News

The first paragraph introduces Efren, who wakes up in the bathtub and is helped by his caretaker, APA. Efren is reminded of his family's struggles and APA's efforts to raise money to bring back Amma. Efren decides to confide in his friend David about his problems. At school, Efren learns that Jennifer, another candidate for school president, has dropped out of the race and school due to a deportation raid. This news deeply affects Efren, who seeks answers from Jennifer's friend, Han.

05:01

😢 Impact of Jennifer's Deportation

In the second paragraph, Efren learns from Han about Jennifer's deportation and her mother's forced return to Mexico. Han expresses her desire to use her potential position in the Associated Student Body (ASB) to raise awareness about the issue and help families affected by it. Efren is emotionally affected by the news and searches online for information about detention centers for kids, which deeply upsets him. He contemplates his own situation and the unfairness of it all, leading him to a decision about taking action.

10:02

🌱 Decision to Run for ASB President

The third paragraph reveals Efren's decision to run for ASB president, inspired by Jennifer's situation and a desire to make a difference. He shares this with his friend David, who feels betrayed as he was running for the same position. Their friendship is strained as David feels Efren has stabbed him in the back. Efren tries to explain his motivations but is met with anger and disappointment. Meanwhile, Efren's family situation improves as APA secures enough money to bring Amma back, leading to a moment of joy and relief for the family.

Keywords

💡Family

Family refers to a group of individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption who typically live together and share common values and goals. In the script, the family unit is central to the story, with Efren, Max, Mia, and APA (presumably a family member or guardian) all playing significant roles. The family dynamic is portrayed through their interactions and the support they provide each other in times of need, such as APA's efforts to raise money for their mother's return.

💡Responsibility

Responsibility is the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or to take care of someone. In the narrative, Efren feels a strong sense of responsibility for his family, particularly in the absence of his mother, and this is evident in his actions, such as taking care of his siblings and deciding to run for ASB president to make a difference.

💡Immigration

Immigration is the process of moving to a different country with the intention of living there permanently. The script touches on the issue of immigration, particularly the challenges faced by Jennifer and her mother who are forced to return to Mexico, highlighting the emotional and social impact of such a situation on individuals and their communities.

💡Deportation

Deportation is the act of being forced to leave a country, typically because one does not have the legal right to remain there. Jennifer's situation is a direct example of deportation, which is a pivotal moment in the story that influences Efren's decision to run for ASB president to raise awareness about the issue.

💡ASB President

ASB President refers to the student leader of a school's Associated Student Body, typically elected by their peers. The role is significant in the script as it represents a position of influence and leadership. Efren's decision to run for ASB President is a key plot point, symbolizing his desire to make a positive change and honor Jennifer's wishes.

💡Friendship

Friendship is a close and supportive relationship between two people. The script explores the dynamics of friendship, particularly between Efren and David. Their relationship is tested when Efren decides to run for ASB President, leading to a conflict that strains their friendship.

💡Perseverance

Perseverance is the quality of continuing to try to do something, even when it is difficult or seems impossible. APA's character exemplifies perseverance as he works overtime to raise money to bring back Amma, showing determination despite the challenges he faces.

💡Cultural Identity

Cultural identity is the sense of belonging to a particular cultural group, which can be based on factors such as nationality, religion, or language. The script includes elements of cultural identity, such as the Mexican saying that Jennifer's mom used to tell her, which resonates with Efren and becomes a symbol of resilience and hope.

💡Education

Education is the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, particularly at a school or university. The setting of the script is primarily in a school, where the characters are engaged in educational activities. The school also serves as a backdrop for the election of the ASB President, which becomes a platform for discussing broader social issues.

💡Emotional Turmoil

Emotional turmoil refers to a state of great emotional disturbance or distress. The script portrays various characters experiencing emotional turmoil, such as Efren dealing with his mother's absence, Jennifer's deportation, and the fallout with his friend David.

💡Community Support

Community support refers to the assistance and encouragement provided by a group of people who share common interests or values. In the story, APA finds support through a 'kundina' or a rotating savings and credit association, which helps him financially, allowing him to spend more quality time with his family.

Highlights

Efren decides to run for ASB president to raise awareness about Jennifer's deportation and help families facing similar issues.

APA works overtime and joins a kundina (rotating savings group) to raise money to bring Amma back.

Jennifer's deportation is triggered by a raid at Northgate Market, where her mother is arrested.

Han, Jennifer's friend, shares details about the raid and how Jennifer was forced to return to Mexico with her mother.

Efren is inspired by Jennifer's resilience and her mother's saying, 'They tried to bury us, but they didn't know we were seeds.'

Efren searches online about detention centers for kids and is shocked by the images of children behind fences.

Efren feels guilty for not doing anything to help Jennifer and decides he needs to take action.

Efren's friendship with David is strained when Efren announces he is also running for ASB president.

David feels betrayed by Efren's decision and accuses him of stabbing him in the back.

Efren explains his motivations, saying he needs to prove people wrong and do something meaningful for his parents.

The tension between Efren and David escalates, leading to the end of their friendship.

APA brings good news, having secured enough money to bring Amma back without needing more overtime.

The family celebrates with a trip to the playground, enjoying a moment of happiness amidst the challenges they are facing.

Efren reflects on the importance of taking action and making a difference, inspired by Jennifer's situation.

The story explores themes of family, friendship, social justice, and the power of community support.

Efren's journey highlights the challenges faced by immigrant families and the impact of deportation on individuals and communities.

The story emphasizes the importance of standing up for what is right and using one's voice to make a difference.

Efren's decision to run for ASB president represents a turning point in his personal growth and his commitment to social change.

Transcripts

chapter 10.

Efren felt a gentle nudge on his

shoulder mijo Mijo

said I'm sorry but I need to take a

quick shower he pointed at the dark

circle on his armpit can't go to work a

la pesto so Efren stretched out his arms

remembering he was still in the bathtub

oh hey APA sorry I fell asleep reading

up I laughed to himself I figured he

bent down and wrapped his arms around

Efren here let me give you a hand APA

scooped Efron out with a little effort

up a strength surprise different I can't

believe you can still do that actually

I'm pretty surprised to set up again

laughing someday you will be too big for

me to do that but today is not that day

so come on you need to go get to bed

it's too early for you to be up okay APA

Efren talked his library book under his

arm carefully bear hugged his blanket

and pillow and headed to the living room

area

Max was a spread across the mattress

snoring just slightly while Mia clung to

her naked plush doll

rays of blue Moonlight poke through the

broken blinds Efren looked over at the

empty mattress and shook his head the

sheets were still folded just like the

night before Efren didn't understand

where APA found the energy even after

all the overtime trying to raise money

to bring back Amma he still found time

to worry about them

this was all he needed to see if a pot

can be this strong why can't I Efron

wanted to solve his problems too it was

then that he decided to tell David

everything he still did not know what he

was going to say or where to start for

that matter but he knew the words would

come when the moment was right they had

to their friendship was at stake

Efron wanted to get to his own school

with enough time to find David so he

dropped off Max and me a little earlier

than normal the three of them arrived so

early that they were the first on in the

school breakfast line Max had his head

start set on some Pandora chocolate milk

meon silver dollar pancakes the ones

with maple syrup bits inside that the

school sometimes served sadly both had

to settle settle for generic brand

Cheerios and slightly bruised bananas

with the twins fed and the playground

supervisor now watching over them after

and hurried to get to his school the

main the entire main school entrance was

empty this early most kids hung out in

the cafeteria area eating breakfast

something he'd never done before not

with a Ma's breakfast Milagros taking

place every morning check that with the

Milagros am I used to make

happened walked over to the tables

wondering if his school was serving the

same cereal breakfast as Max and Mia's

he took a quick look at his at what the

kids around him had on their plates nope

his school was serving the tiny pancakes

Mia had wanted he was about to get in

line when a tap on his shoulder startled

him it was Abraham the school's very own

cheese made machine whether the gossip

was true or not he was always in the

middle of it dude David won what are you

talking about no one's voted yet a

friend laughed no one has to Jennifer

dropped out of the race which means that

David wins this time he raised up his

hand for a high five

efren's mouth went wide open and froze

his mind couldn't accept the news even

as he slapped hands with Abraham wait

there's no way Jennifer would just quit

like that Abraham shook his head she

didn't just drop out of the election she

dropped out of school what why who cares

said Abraham shrugging David's going to

be our president he said the first thing

he would do is make sure the school

starts serving Takis for breakfast Nitro

flavored man I can't wait and Friends

stomach tightened and the idea of eating

Takis for breakfast had nothing to do

with it he needed to get to the bottom

of this now he bolted up the stairway

leading to the library skipping multiple

steps at a time when did he enter

through the double doors hoping to find

the one person who could give him the

answers he needed Jennifer's friend Han

Farm

Han was suited near the back of the

library by the reference section the

book in front of her was closed and she

had both hands over her face hey Helen

are you all right she lowered her hands

and looked directly at Efren something

was wrong her eyes were glassy and

tinted pink obviously she'd been crying

what's wrong asked Efren she didn't

answer she just looked down at her

closed book looks at Efron I know that

we were on opposite sides of this

election but Jennifer is my friend too I

know she really wanted to win why would

she just quit like this and why are

people saying she dropped out of school

Han's upper lip curled something he had

as Aries something he said had rubbed

Han the wrong way for your information

she didn't just quit ice did a raid her

face squished together as she did her

best not to cry at friend's stomach sank

oh my goodness was she he could barely

say the word deported Hans shook her

head as she sobbed

yet somehow she found the strength to

continue speaking there was a sweep at

the Northgate Market on First and harbor

my friend Diego Flores saw the whole

thing said that men in black vests and

assault rifles burst inside and cornered

the adults including her mom he said

that her mom screamed for Jennifer to

run home but Jennifer wouldn't leave her

side she even dropped to her knees and

tried pleading with the men oh my

goodness is Jennifer okay where is she I

thought she was she was born in the U.S

she had to go back to Mexico with her

mom or social services was going to take

her Han buried her face on the folds of

her elbow I didn't even get to say

goodbye to her

efren's stomach twisted and churned in

every direction poor Jennifer he said he

couldn't believe what was happening he

knew things like this happened every day

but not to people he knew people he

cared for

Efron cleared his throat is there

anything we can do for her I've been

thinking about that Han wiped her nose

with a tissue she wanted to use the ASB

position to bring more attention to this

problem she wanted to start a campaign

to raise awareness maybe start a support

group to help families but now she can't

do anything

part of me thinks that I should run at

her place keep fighting in her place you

can do that sure anyone who attended the

meeting can run but you can you picture

me trying to speak in front of the

entire school no way

hunt sniffled and wiped away her tears

she had this Spanish line that she used

to say a lot

Efren said beating her to the words yeah

that's it how do you know that efren's

face grew blank she told me he gave a

hard

swallowed

it's a Mexican saying they tried to bury

us but they didn't know we were seeds

Jennifer told me her mom used to say it

to her all the time the words were as

clear as day so clear they stayed in

efren's mind for the rest of the morning

when the first period class started

Efren took his seat but mostly just

stared at the whiteboard in front of him

he tuned out the kids around him

including everything Mr Garrett said he

trusted APA knew he'd never give up on

getting a mob back but what if he

couldn't what if this problem was too

big even for him to fix

friend's spine

when class ended he calmly made his way

to the next classroom and waited outside

each period went more or less the same

way except for math when Efron opened a

new browser tab in his Chromebook and

did a search detaining center for kids

what he found shook him he scrolled down

page after page of photos showing little

children behind chain link fences

sleeping on tiled floors aluminum

benches and in some cases in each

other's arms

he thought back to what Jennifer had

said and did a search for chicken farms

a few of the images were alike many of

those showed chickens running freely in

open yards Efren slammed the Chromebook

shut he could feel his chest heaving and

knew it was simply a matter of seconds

before he'd began crying he reached for

a bathroom pass and held it up for Miss

cubby to see she nodded and gave him a

thumbs up different hurried to the boys

restroom and locked himself in the last

stall he sat on the toilet and pressed

his fist hard against his forehead it

wasn't fair if the rolls were flipped

and he'd been to the one deported

Jennifer would be taking a stand and

fighting for him he couldn't sit around

and do nothing Jennifer deserved to be

there she also deserved to be ASB

president not David as much as he tried

to forget about the idea the more it

seemed to take root in his brain

the rest of the school day Ephron

managed to avoid David even ate lunch

Alone by the stairwell and when the

final bell rang he hurried and made a

quick stop at Miss sala's room before

going to pick up Max and Mia

after school Efron gathered up all the

dirty laundry worried about getting

using up the last of his money he

searched every kitchen drawer Gathering

up all the Loose Change he could find

then he loaded up a rusty Radio Flyer

wagon with a trash bag full of clothes a

carton of generic laundry soap and of

course Max and Mia

once at the laundromat Efren separated

the family's clothes into two carts one

for colors one for white while Max and

Mia watched an episode of Dora the

Explorer in the kids area

that's when David wrote up to the

doorway he parked his bike against the

glass door hey F man I've been looking

everywhere for you hey no worries about

what happened yesterday it's over I did

it I won he held up his fist for a Dap

Efren half-heartedly returned the fist

bump dude you're you're not still mad

are you David asked no I just got a lot

on my plate David surveyed the two

positive clothes I could see that

without missing a beat he reached over

and picked up a tiny pair of Superman

briefs are these yours he asked holding

up the underwear for everyone in the

room to see no those are Maxis and FYI

they're still kind of wet gross David

flicked the undies back onto the pile

and wipe his hand on the side of his

Lakers jury

oh I almost forgot David pulled out his

iPhone check this out

sent me this message it's for you from

Jennifer it's in Spanish

Efren took the photo and scrolled down

the screen it was a photo of a drawing

done on lined paper a small plant

blooming out from a pile of dirt the

words

followed underneath

that friend shot his eyes dude what's

wrong does it say something bad no

reference at opening his eyes and

handing back the phone it's just

something she once told me only it was

more than that Efron ran his fingers

through his hair and let out a big sigh

dude there's something I really gotta

tell you

all righty David took a seat on a washer

what's up

I know this position isn't going to

change the world but I've got to do

something

different fidgeted with one of Maxi's

tube socks my parents gave up everything

for me I needed to do something for them

Jennifer taught me that David scrunched

his forehead

what are you talking about Efron took a

big gulpa there I stopped by miss sala's

office told her I'm running for ASB

president too she okayed it you mean

vice president don't you Efron looked

away you're kidding right Efron gaze

down at the scratch tile floor trying

desperately not to make eye contact with

David but the hurt wasn't just on

David's face it was in his voice too why

would you do that

it's not for me David you know you're my

best friend and I'd never do anything to

hurt you but I need to do this please

try to understand what's there to

understand you're stabbing me in the

back no it's not like that yes it is

it's exactly like that I mean look at

you you have absolutely everything

you're great at school good at sports

your mom and dad they worship you I've

seen the way they look at you my dad

won't even visit me he just sends me

money David's voice shook being

president is my chance to prove everyone

wrong but that's okay I mean you have to

have everything don't you what about a

ma do I have her efren's thoughts

shouted back it's not something you'd

understand

oh so now I'm too dumb to understand you

know what David leaned in and got in

that friend's face I don't need you on

my side to win the election in fact I

don't need you as a friend either Efron

didn't know how to answer and stood

their eyes blinking with that David

stormed out of the laundromat popped

back onto his bike and pedaled away too

late Efron ran after his friend

David Waite Efren hollered from the

sidewalk but David never looked back

Amma was never very big on watching TV

not even the Della novellas that all the

other mothers on the Block raved about

so Efren felt bad about plopping the

twins in front of the set and letting

Elmo babysit but he doesn't have the

strength to deal with Max's high energy

or media's needed to cuddle besides if

and told himself PBS shows are

educational

he sat at the kitchen table with his

head plopped down

letting the cool surface soothe his

aching head what a mess Amma was gone

APA was killing himself to raise the

money to get her back Jennifer was gone

and now efren's friendship with David

was over

out of the blue Efron heard the hint of

a whistle he looked up at first he

thought it came from the TV but the

screen just showed Mr Noodle pretended

to play an ear of corn as if it were a

trumpet and then he heard a whistle

again only much clearer now

Max is in Mia's heads perked up in

perfect Unison and they turned to each

other ah they both hollered there was no

mistaking up a special entrance Melody

before Efren could react the Twins were

already out the door and running down

the stairs why was a paw whistling he

only did that whenever he had good news

Efren rushed outside him down the

stairway only to find Max and Mia

latched onto each of apa's legs like the

little koalas on a eucalyptus branch

APA looked up at Efren smiling somehow a

paw was full of energy again Efren

couldn't wait to hear the news what

happened Hapa laughed as he stranded to

climb the stairway I joined a kundina at

work he held up a tiny slip of paper

with a number on it a what it's a group

Fun where everyone puts money in and

then takes turn borrowing the money each

week but no import that I got the money

and wrapped him up with a huge hug now

without the need of overtime a pot took

everyone to the playground and the four

of them spent the next hour playing the

game of tag

as Efren took a break to get water he

looked back and watched upon chase me up

the spiral Slide the moment was almost

perfect

suno ma would be coming home where she

belonged and then the fan