Efren Divided chapter 13 by Ernesto Cisneros read aloud

Summary

In a bustling Tijuana marketplace, Efren, a young man on a mission to reunite with his mother, navigates the vibrant yet unfamiliar streets. He encounters a world of colorful vendors and lively street life, only to be pursued by suspicious men, prompting a frantic escape. With the help of a local named Lalo, Efren learns about the harsh realities of border life and the struggles of families separated by it. Their journey to the 'Iron Wall', the border fence, reveals the human stories behind the immigration crisis, as Efren grapples with the complexities of seeking a better life for his family.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ The story takes place in Tijuana, Mexico, where the protagonist Efren is searching for his mother at El Taco Loco.
• 🔍 Efren is trying to blend in with the locals and is intrigued by the various goods being sold, such as blankets, grocery bags, wrestling masks, and pinatas.
• 🗣️ Efren is puzzled by the vendors calling out to him in English, which makes him feel like an outsider despite his appearance.
• 👦 Efren encounters a boy and girl selling tin flowers made from Coca-Cola cans and, despite limited funds, he decides to help them.
• 💸 Efren carries a significant amount of money in a satchel, which he is using to help his mother cross the border.
• 👀 Efren feels watched and becomes paranoid after handing out money, noticing people staring and whispering.
• 🛣️ The narrative describes a journey through different parts of Tijuana, from vibrant marketplaces to darker, more dangerous streets.
• 🚗 Efren meets Lalo, a taxi driver who helps him navigate the city and shares his own story of being separated from his daughter.
• 🏡 Lalo's living conditions are depicted as modest, highlighting the economic disparity between the areas of Tijuana.
• 🤝 Lalo and Efren bond over shared experiences and aspirations for a better life, despite their different circumstances.
• 🚧 The story touches on the harsh realities of border crossing, with references to coyotes, the risks involved, and the emotional toll on families.

Q & A

What is the significance of the white Tijuana arch in the script?

The white Tijuana arch is a prominent landmark in the script, symbolizing the cultural and geographical setting of the story. It is also compared to the top half of a Ferris wheel, indicating the protagonist's unfamiliarity with the place.

Why does the protagonist, Efren, feel out of place in the marketplace?

Efren feels out of place because he is an outsider and the vendors are calling out to him in English, which suggests they can tell he is not a local. His unfamiliarity with the surroundings and the way he is perceived by the locals contribute to his feeling of being an outsider.

What does Efren do when he encounters the children selling tin flowers?

Efren, moved by the children's situation, gives them a pair of twenty-dollar bills from the satchel meant for saving his mother, Amma. This act shows his empathy and willingness to help despite his own predicament.

How does Efren's perception of his previous life change after his experience in the marketplace?

Efren's experience in the marketplace makes him realize that the material things he once desired, like being rich or having his own room, are insignificant compared to the value of family and being together, which becomes his main priority.

What is the significance of the aqueduct ruins that Efren sees?

The ruins of the aqueduct serve as a symbol of the broken and difficult path that Efren and many others must navigate in their pursuit of a better life. It also represents the physical and metaphorical barriers between different worlds and opportunities.

Why does Lalo take Efren to El Muro?

Lalo takes Efren to El Muro, the Iron Wall, to show him the reality of the border situation and the separation it causes between families. It is also a place where Lalo goes to feel connected to his daughter who is on the other side.

What is the main challenge that Efren faces in trying to help his mother cross the border?

The main challenge Efren faces is finding a reliable and safe way for his mother to cross the border using a coyote, as crossing illegally is dangerous and can lead to being abandoned in the desert or facing other serious risks.

How does Lalo's experience with the border and his daughter influence his perspective on life?

Lalo's experience with the border and his separation from his daughter have made him value the importance of family and the desire for a better life for his child. It has also made him more empathetic towards others in similar situations.

What advice does Lalo give Efren about choosing friends and their influence on one's life?

Lalo advises Efren to surround himself with good people who will bring out the best in him, rather than the worst. He emphasizes the importance of making wise choices and thinking for oneself, as he regrets the mistakes he made due to the wrong company.

What does the scene at El Muro reveal about the human impact of border separation?

The scene at El Muro reveals the emotional and physical toll that border separation takes on families. It shows the longing and pain of separated loved ones who are only able to connect briefly and through the barriers of the iron fence.

Outlines

00:00

🏙️ Exploring New Surroundings

Efren, the protagonist, finds himself in a bustling marketplace near a McDonald's, captivated by the white Tijuana arch and the vibrant life around him. He feels out of place and struggles to blend in, as vendors call out to him in English. Efren's curiosity is piqued by the local goods and the diversity of people, but he is also aware of the stark socio-economic differences. After an encounter with two children selling tin flowers, Efren gives them money, which reveals his vulnerability and draws unwanted attention. He reflects on his luck growing up on the other side of the border and the sacrifices his family made for a better life.

05:02

👣 Encounters and Escape

As Efren continues his journey, the atmosphere changes from colorful and lively to dark and ominous. He senses being watched by people on the street and feels a growing sense of danger. His panic intensifies as he realizes he is being pursued by unknown men. Efren's quick thinking leads him to a taxi driven by Lalo, who offers him refuge. They bond over shared experiences and Lalo's cautionary advice about the perils of crossing the border. Lalo's living conditions reveal the hardships faced by many in Tijuana, and Efren gains a deeper understanding of the challenges of life in this new environment.

10:03

🌅 Reflections at the Border Wall

Efren and Lalo visit the Iron Wall, a stark symbol of the border separating Mexico from the United States. They witness families on both sides of the wall trying to connect through the barriers, a poignant scene that highlights the human cost of border separation. Lalo shares his personal story of being separated from his daughter Abby, and his longing to provide a better life for her despite the challenges. Efren contemplates his own luck in being able to cross borders and the unfairness of the situation. The visit to the wall deepens their understanding of the complexities of immigration and the emotional toll it takes on families.

15:04

🤔 The Dilemma of Crossing

Efren reveals his plan to use a coyote to help his mother cross the border, presenting the money he has saved for this purpose. Lalo, having experienced the harsh realities of illegal border crossings, warns Efren of the dangers and the high costs involved. He offers to make some calls to see if there's a safer way for Efren's family to reunite. Lalo's own dreams of reuniting with his daughter are tempered by the harsh realities of his life in Tijuana. The conversation underscores the difficult choices and sacrifices individuals must make in pursuit of a better life.

Keywords

💡Tijuana

Tijuana is a city located in Mexico, and it plays a significant role in this video script as the setting where the protagonist, Efren, finds himself. The city is depicted through its landmarks, such as the aqueduct arches and El Taco Loco, and its vibrant street life, which contrasts with the challenges faced by its inhabitants. Tijuana serves as a backdrop to explore themes of cultural identity, border dynamics, and the human struggle for a better life.

💡Border

The border is a central concept in the script, symbolizing the division between Mexico and the United States, and the challenges faced by those seeking to cross it. It is represented both physically, by the Iron Wall (El Muro), and metaphorically, through the experiences of the characters who are affected by its presence. The border is a barrier to reunification for families and a symbol of the complex socio-political realities that surround immigration.

💡Coyote

A 'coyote' in this context refers to a person who smuggles individuals across borders, often for a fee. In the script, the term is used to describe the character who has promised to help Efren's mother cross the border. The concept of a coyote underscores the dangerous and illicit means some people resort to in order to achieve a better life or reunite with their families.

💡Mariachi

Mariachi is a traditional form of Mexican music and musical groups. In the script, a gray-haired man dressed in a complete Mariachi get-up is mentioned, which adds to the cultural atmosphere of the Tijuana setting. Mariachi outfits are known for their colorful and elaborate designs, and their presence in the narrative helps to paint a vivid picture of the local culture.

💡Aqueduct

The aqueduct in the script refers to the ruins of a structure that Efren encounters, which barely stands and is described as similar to the Roman-like structures he had read about in his Social Studies books. The aqueduct serves as a landmark that guides Efren through the city, symbolizing the remnants of past civilizations and the enduring nature of historical structures amidst the chaos of modern life.

💡Satchel

The satchel is a bag that Efren carries, which contains money intended for the coyote to help his mother cross the border. It is a symbol of hope and desperation, representing the tangible means by which Efren believes he can reunite his family. The satchel and its contents are a driving force in the narrative, highlighting the lengths people will go to for the sake of their loved ones.

💡El Taco Loco

El Taco Loco is a restaurant mentioned in the script as a place where Efren's mother is supposed to be waiting for him. It serves as a specific destination and a symbol of the hope for family reunification. The name 'El Taco Loco' is indicative of the vibrant and colorful local eateries that are part of the Tijuana landscape.

💡Lalo

Lalo is a character in the script who becomes a guide and confidant to Efren. He is a taxi driver who helps Efren navigate the city and shares his own story of separation from his daughter due to the border. Lalo represents the struggles and resilience of individuals living in the border towns and provides insight into the harsh realities faced by those trying to make a living and maintain family ties across the border.

💡Iron Wall (El Muro)

El Muro, or the Iron Wall, is a term used to describe the border barrier between the U.S. and Mexico. In the script, it is visited by families who are separated by the border, hoping to have brief moments of connection with their loved ones on the other side. The Iron Wall is a powerful symbol of division and the emotional toll it takes on those affected by it.

💡Cultural Identity

Cultural identity is a recurring theme in the script, explored through the experiences of Efren as he navigates a foreign city and encounters various cultural elements, such as Mariachi outfits and Mexican sarapes. The script delves into the complexities of identity formation, particularly for those who exist between two cultures, as seen in Efren's reflections on his own experiences and the broader context of the border community.

Highlights

Efren discovers an article about the white Tijuana arch resembling a Ferris wheel without baskets.

The Tijuana marketplace feels calm despite the bustling activity, creating an eerie atmosphere.

Efren struggles to blend in as a tourist due to his outsider appearance and behavior.

Vendors in the marketplace call out to Efren in English, indicating they recognize him as a foreigner.

Efren's internal conflict about his appearance and how it sets him apart from the locals.

A pair of children selling tin flowers made from Coca-Cola cans catches Efren's attention.

Efren's act of kindness towards the children by giving them money reflects his character.

Efren becomes paranoid and worried after being stared at by two women in the marketplace.

He experiences a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for his family and home.

Efren's confusion about the two arches and his quest to find the correct path.

The vivid description of the colorful street and its connection to Efren's memories.

Efren's realization of the darker side of the neighborhood as he encounters suspicious characters.

Lalo's intervention saves Efren from potential danger, showcasing his role as a protector.

Lalo shares his personal story and the hardships he faces being separated from his daughter.

Efren's encounter with the Iron Wall and the emotional impact of witnessing families separated by the border.

Lalo's explanation of the challenges and risks associated with crossing the border illegally.

Efren's plan to use a coyote to help his mother cross the border and reunite their family.

Lalo's advice to Efren on the importance of surrounding oneself with good people.

Efren's contemplation on the concept of luck and the privileges he has simply by being born on the other side of the border.

Transcripts

chapter 13 peeking out from behind the

McDonald's was the white Tijuana arch

with a wide screen TV entangled in the

center like a fly on a spider web

playing commercials an article this is

the one he'd been looking for Efren

thought it looked like the top half of a

ferris wheel the kind the church sets up

in their parking lot once a year only

this one didn't have any baskets to ride

on

it was so close to a ma he could feel it

everywhere he turned stores with their

front shutters rolled up were opening

for business however even with all the

zooming cars and Street vendors

hollering their best offers the place

felt strangely calm as if the entire

block had prepared for a huge block

party and all the guests decided not to

show up a friend sidestepped a

gray-haired man dressed in a complete

Mariachi get up his eyes wide and

friendly his face full of years the move

caused that friend to bump into the

teenager standing at the newspaper stand

the teen wearing faded jeans and a red

tie snapped harshly at him cuidado

a friend said apologetically he couldn't

look like a tourist he needed to act

like he lived there but blending in was

going to be harder than he thought

especially with all the new and

interesting things to see all around him

vendors held up heavy fleece blankets

perfect for cold winter nights colorful

mesh bags used for grocery shopping

Lucha Libre wrestling masks a variety of

superhero pinatas and the always popular

Mexican sarapes

what they were selling made perfect

sense what didn't was why they were all

calling out to him in English it was

true that he was an outsider who didn't

really belong but how did they know this

was it something in the way he dressed

the way he walked maybe the way he

looked at everything with new eyes he

searched the crowd comparing the Sea of

brown skin the range was huge an entire

colored color squash of different shades

there were so many vendors there people

like Lalo struggling to find their place

in this strange world

just as a sadness began to grow and the

pit of his stomach a pair of kids a boy

and a girl cut him off and their hands

was a pair of tin flowers made from

striped slits of cocoa Coca-Cola cans do

you guys make these unsure of his

question the little boy and girl turned

toward each other and Shrugged

usted slow but Efron stopped himself

amidst as he looked down at their hands

there was no need to ask in Spanish the

answer was obvious as the dirty

Band-Aids at the end of the ends of

their fingers effort to remember the

pesos about had given him but the number

of pesos he had on him wouldn't be

enough to help these kids Efron reached

into the shirt and pulled out the

Satchel with the monument for saving

Amma from the wad of money he peeled

away a pair of twenty dollar bills and

handed them to the kids it was the right

thing to do ever knew Amma would have

done the exact same thing if she were

there now

but that didn't make what he'd done any

safer Efron immediately tucked the

Satchel back under his shirt and looked

around for any wandering eyes that might

have seen him sure enough he spotted two

women starting at staring at him

Whispering something to each other what

had he done before giving either kid a

chance to thank him after and hurried

through the marketplace as quickly as he

could but with each step he took a

little voice at the back of his mind

warned him as Ephron made his way out of

the marketplace he thought about how

lucky he was to have been raised on the

other side of the Border he remembered

all the times he'd secretly wished he

were one of the rich kids that lived in

the Floral Park neighborhood around his

school the times he wished he might have

have had his own room on TV on bed none

of those things matter to him anymore

all he wanted was his family at home in

their tiny studio apartment together a

monopod didn't like to talk too much

about why they left their home so long

ago for a better life seemed to be the

only their only answer only now Efren

was beginning to understand what they'd

left behind

just as Efron hurried past the Last

Stand something caught his eye a few

feet away stood the ruins of an aqueduct

the arch barely standing it was the same

roman-like structure he'd read about in

his Social Studies books wait which of

the two arches was he supposed to follow

he looked over at the giant silver

Landmark above but the street under it

just appeared to end the aqua deck Arc

led to a colorful Street

where he could see a hotel sign up ahead

that has to be the one the Taco Loco had

to be nearby Efren followed the aqueduct

arches down the most colorful Street

he'd ever seen it was as if each

building had something or had somehow

been painted in a different flute fruit

flavor to his left and toward the bottom

of a giant lemon and colored Wallace to

the opening to a tiny shop everyone

skipped over many of the words on the

homemade sign finding comfort and

familiar ones like dual says hugos and

paletas all the delicious snacks he'd

find for sale in Don tapatio's food

truck back home

to his right stood Hotel Santa Cecilia

painted in the color of the watermelon

agua fresca occasionally made in the

summertime

this thought made Ephraim feel better

about where am I had landed he pictured

her in the marketplace making friends

with the vendors like she did around the

neighborhood at home that all changed

however once he passed the lime-colored

Rio Verde bar with every stick effort

took the bright fruit flavor colors on

each building grew darker as if coated

by a layer of dirt and Ash he paused

noticing the women standing at the curb

watching him his eyes moved to the men

across the street watching too he

quickened his Pace until he reached the

end of the block there he looked over

his shoulder the men were close behind

him and coming closer a pause warning

echoed in his mind and panic set in back

in his neighborhood he knew exactly

which fences to climb which Apartments

to run to and which Alleyways to avoid

here the dangers were new he'd heard

stories of people being picked up off

the streets and never heard from again

he'd also heard about drug cartels and

Corruption he scanned the street

catching a glimpse of a papaya colored

building the Taco Loco hoping for

exactly that he broke into a full Sprint

this time around he didn't bother to

apologize to anyone he bumped into along

the way and still the people he slammed

into acted as if witnessing a panic

starting a kid running through the

streets was simply an everyday

occurrence

stopping at an alto sign he coughed and

heaved with his hands resting over his

knees the only other Street available

looked even worse than the one he found

himself in again he looked over his

shoulder the men chasing him stopped as

well breaking into menacing the smiles

as if they knew something he did not hey

little man a voice called out he felt a

surge of relief when he saw the familiar

taxis get over to where he was get in

shouted Lalo reaching behind him to

swing the back door open Efron turned to

look back at the men who had been

following him they weren't smiling

anymore he jumped into the car bumping

the back of his head as the car's

acceleration flung his body across the

back seat whoa little man what are you

doing away from the plaza this is

definitely not the place for a kid like

you I was looking for the Loco Tacos to

see my mom if you mean El Taco Loco it's

about half a block from the marketplace

he pointed in the other direction that

way Efron rubbed his temples before

looking down at his watch it was just

ten past noon can you take me there now

my mom's got to be there waiting for me

nah man no can do those guys are

dangerous in ways you can't imagine we

better hang low for a bit trust me if

your mom is waiting for you she won't go

anywhere

but I'm sorry you'd be putting both our

lives in danger not to mention your

mother's Efren didn't like the sound of

that well what do I do in the meantime

you can join me for lunch that okay with

you a friend's mind raised raced he knew

better than to talk to strangers but

what choice did he have like it or not

Lalo was his best bet right now besides

there was something about Lalo that made

Efren trust him

Tijuana was different than Efron had

imagined he stared out the window

marveling at the scraps of sheet metal

used to cover what in some cases

appeared to be walls of cardboard those

homes that were lucky enough to include

a pla or plywood and cinderbox look to

have been built on top of each other

Lala why are the homes in the Hills so

ghetto Yeah Yeah well yeah

this is the land no one wants on this

side of the board of the rich folk here

all live on Flatland

efren's eyes roamed this place was

nothing like home

Lalo's Place wasn't much different from

the rest of the neighborhood just a tiny

room barely large enough to fit one twin

mattress one rickety bookshelf and a

propane burner to cook I know it ain't

much but I mostly just sleep here

besides the less money I spend here the

more I can send my little girl Lalo

turned and pointed at a photo resting

over a milk carton crate or a milk crate

beside his bed his daughter was about

the same age as Max and Mia but she had

light wavy hair and hazel eyes she's

adorable it's probably my favorite

anyway little man make yourself at home

you mind if I use your restroom again

yeah my stomach acts up when I get

nervous well you good now bro it's just

outside to the right if the door is

closed don't go in one of the neighbors

may be using it Efron went out through

the back door the outside area wasn't

much better over to the side was the

Outhouse he stepped inside and slid shut

the plank of wood that doubled as a door

he looked down at the bucket of water

stored beside the toilet vowing to never

complain about having to wait his turn

at home again

he layered the seed in toilet paper when

he was done he picked up the bucket he'd

learned about this trick from a paw once

when the water to their apartment was

shut off and emptied them into the bowl

somehow the toilet flushed FN refilled

the bucket and washed his hands with the

nearby hose then hurried back inside

where Lalo had had prepared a set of

instant Ramen soups bro you like

Maruchan do you like do you have any

Tapatio

Lalo pointed to a bottle beside the

bunny ear TV antenna come come on now

what kind of homie doesn't have Tapatio

in his crib Efron smiled and ate

half-heartedly hey little man don't

worry I got you how about we go down to

El Muro till things cool down

everyone checked his watch my dad's kind

of waiting for me across the border I

know you want to get back but waiting

around here isn't going gonna get you

there any faster come on all right he

said slurping the last of the noodles

Efren followed Lalo back outside and

waited for him to unlock the back door

of the taxi what you doing Lalo asked

sticking his head out the driver's seat

where Bros now you can sit up front from

now on Efron dashed across the passenger

side and slid back into his seat cool

like Lalo did so what's this mordo

you're talking to me taking me to he

asked not a laughed the mooro Muro is

the Iron Wall that separates us from the

U.S side it ends where the ocean waves

begin to form beaches I've never heard

of any beaches in TJ Lalo pointed up

ahead as he made a turn see there that's

the Pacific same water on both sides of

the wall Efren lean forward for a better

look looks kind of like the beaches at

home yep a lot of brush to the tip of

his nose sometimes I Come Around Here

buy myself a drink and stare out into

the ocean thinking about my little girl

there's usually a parent or two running

around with their kids I gotta admit his

voice broke a tiny bit it still hurts

makes me feel robbed my friend glanced

over at him I'm sorry he's scoffed at

least I've got my memories to keep me

company memories of me rocking her in my

arms back and forth of me making up baby

rap songs about us Lalo's jaw tightened

you know what I miss most he continued

while gazing out at the sea it's the way

she used to look up at me like she knew

who I was she didn't see a high school

dropout didn't see the tats on my arms

or back she just accepted me

unconditional love bro

anyway my little Abby knew that I loved

her and trusted her that I trusted that

I would do anything and everything to

protect her then she'd shut her eyes and

be out for like three hours three hours

it sounded like something Mia would do

Lalo sniffed and exhaled deeply yeah

three wonderful hours with her against

my chest stuff like that as a way of

changing People Lala wiped the bridge of

his nose

Efron wiped his eyes the worst part is

how the men the only memory she has of

me now are behind the iron beams of the

Moodle

Lord knows I haven't lived a perfect

life but I ain't no criminal

unfortunately that's not how she sees me

to her I'm nothing more than an

embarrassment just some tatted up

thought though that sends her money and

writes letters that she occasionally

answers she can write at her age Lalo

laughed heartily my baby girl is a baby

anymore the photo you saw is old she's a

teenager with her own life to live in

the states where she belongs just like

that Lalo slipped a new CD into this

stereo and cranked up the volume so loud

that he cringed check this out it's my

jam he said dropping the volume Just A

Pinch

Efren had no idea who the rapper was but

he bobbed his head up and down as Lalo

Sing Out Loud Effron mumbled along as

best he could occasionally skipping out

over words he wasn't yet allowed to say

looking out the window is a glimpse of

an entirely new world yes the place was

simple and poor looking but it was also

kind of beautiful there were no

ridiculous Mansions hogging the ocean

view or fancy hotels catering to the

rich and said there were tiny stands

advertising fresh coconuts and shrimp

cocktails you know Lalo this place is

kind of nice it can be Lalo parked

alongside a white curb that extended

below a white Lighthouse Tower and for

an examined the miniature palm trees and

uneven paths ahead he couldn't decide if

the place looking more like a skateboard

park or a miniature golf course

this is it the moro come on

Efren followed Lalo up the ramp where

families of every size lined the rusted

iron beams many unfolding beach chairs

what are they doing visiting with

families Lalo put it to the other side

of the fence see people from the U.S

line up and when their turn comes up

they get to hold hands with the family

they're separated from it's how I got to

watch my daughter grow up in Lalo placed

his hand on efren's shoulder and paws

like he had something to say only he

didn't speak a word just stare started

walking toward the empty Beach

and a friend's eyes shirt to search the

mini faces along the fence they came in

all sorts from babies to elderly folk

with Walkers all different beautiful

shades of brown and friend began walking

alongside the iron barrier there were as

many Smiles as there were tears a woman

leaned into the space between the beams

she poked her arm through she was about

the same height as a mom with a similar

pinto bean shade of skin

have been walked closer curious about

what she was doing the answer hit him

immediately his eyes stung as if they'd

been rubbed with a ripe jalapeno less

than 10 feet away was a mother and

daughter her Sea World had still on

resting their foreheads against the

other each with their eyes closed tears

flowing he patted his shirt feeling the

Satchel underneath his shirt helped calm

and reassure him he looked over at the

rest of the families camping around the

sidewalk waiting for their turns to turn

to hold hands too

Efron walked up to the iron fence and

held up his palm against it how was it

possible that he was allowed to cross to

either side his place of birth didn't

change anything about him it didn't make

him better than anyone else it just made

him

lucky plain simple dumb luck

Efron came up behind Lalo and took a

seat next to him beside the invisible

line where the ocean waves broke before

retreating there you are right Lalo

asked Efren took a moment before

answering I don't get it what don't you

get

white people don't just hire a coyote

and come over anyway like ahmad's going

to do his face lit up I know you could

tag along you and Amma could cross

together hold up Lalo said turning to

face him it's not that simple you can't

just walk across I know that's why we

got the money my dad took on some extra

night work to get it but it's here with

me see Efren reached under his shirt for

the satchel and pulled out the wad of

money he had

um I found a coyote who promised to get

her across right at the hotel she found

on the Avenida revolucion all I need to

do is deliver this to her then we can go

back to the way things were we can be a

family again

Lala went silent what's wrong is it not

enough first you have to boast up do us

both a favor and put that money away

Lalo surveyed the beach to make sure no

one was watching look man as much as I'd

like to I'm not gonna lie to you getting

across isn't as easy as you think using

a coyote to cross along the Customs line

is pricey but crossing over by the

desert he shook his head I wouldn't try

it again and try it not again and the

local poiros are too risky some of them

promise to get you across but instead

they take you just take your money and

dump you into the desert to fend for

yourself but they're not all bad right

look I know a few guys who work this

area I can't make you any promises but I

can call and see if they might be able

to help you guys out

what about you don't you want to see

your daughter of course I do more than

anything else but without a license or

social security number there isn't much

I can do to make a living there besides

I've got a record so if I get caught

again I'll definitely do some serious

time Behind Bars

he rubbed his chin as he continued but

you don't have to worry about me I'll

make do sadly it's what our people are

best at making do everyone took a moment

to let the word sink in then he looked

at Lalo and Tried reading the letters

just below his knuckles only the tattoo

was too faded to read did you do

something bad nah man well nothing too

serious he stared out blankly at the sea

as it can transfer the motion of the

Waves simply put I hung around the wrong

type of friends didn't think for myself

Lalo gave that friend a look little man

do yourself a favor surround yourself

with good people people who will bring

out the good in you not the bad

friend thought about David about how

lucky he was to have a friend like him

scratch that had him as a friend but it

wasn't like he could just quit the

election Jennifer had been right

and he needed to push through the dirt

and reach for the sunlight I think

you're a great guy you shouldn't give up

give up Lalo laugh trust me if there's

one thing I don't do it's give up here's

the thing all I want out of life is for

my Abby to grow up happy with a

good job maybe a family that's it

everything else is gravy Lalo scratched

at the tip of his nose

I just want what every parent wants for

their children a better life efren's

forehead wrinkled a better life without

you ever nodded ever so slightly a

better life for her