Efren Divided chapter 17 by Ernesto Cisneros read aloud

Brant Crowther

22 Mar 202304:19

Summary

TLDRIn this emotional chapter, Efren learns his mother has been detained at a checkpoint and will not be coming home soon. Overwhelmed by the news, he struggles to maintain strength for his children, Max and Mia. Amidst the heartache, they find solace in simple comforts like watching cartoons and eating cake, while Efren makes a promise to never give up on bringing his mother home. The chapter explores the resilience of a family facing separation and the unwavering hope that binds them.

Takeaways

😢 Efron is deeply affected by the news about his mother's situation, feeling a heavy weight on his chest and struggling to maintain composure.
👀 Max's hopeful eyes and Mia's concern show the children's emotional attachment and worry for their mother's safety.
🚔 The mother was in a van that got pulled over at a checkpoint, leading to her being held at a Detention Center.
👨‍👧‍👦 Efron's commitment to the children is evident as he promises to do everything he can to reunite their family.
😔 The reality of the situation is harsh, with the mother not being able to come home soon, causing emotional distress for everyone involved.
🍰 Efron tries to cope with the situation by sharing a carrot cake and watching cartoons with Max and Mia, attempting to bring some normalcy.
👶 The children, despite their initial reluctance, eventually find comfort in the simple act of eating cake and watching TV with Efron.
🏫 Efron asks Miho to continue taking care of the children's school responsibilities, showing his reliance on support during this difficult time.
💼 Efron contemplates finding alternative ways to earn money, like collecting water bottles for recycling, to support the family's needs.
🤝 Miho reassures Efron that they will not give up on trying to bring their mother home, despite the uncertainty and challenges.
😢 Efron's emotional outburst reflects his struggle with the unfairness of their situation and the longing for a simple life with his mother.

Q & A

What is the emotional state of the character after hanging up the phone?
-The character is emotionally overwhelmed, with a sense of a terrible weight on his chest and tears in his eyes, indicating deep distress or sadness.
Why does the character Efron ask if 'she' is okay?
-Efron is concerned about the well-being of a female character, who is revealed to be in a detention center after being pulled over at a checkpoint.
What is the significance of Max's 'Penny eyes' in the context of the story?
-Max's 'Penny eyes' symbolize his innocence and hopefulness, looking up at Efron for reassurance and good news.
How does Efron's mind react to the situation with 'she' being in a detention center?
-Efron's mind races with thoughts and emotions, flashing backward and forward, contemplating the future and the potential pain of separation.
What promise does Efren make to Max and Mia?
-Efren promises that both he and their mother will do everything they can to reunite the family, emphasizing the commitment to never give up.
What does the character suggest as a coping mechanism after the difficult news?
-The character suggests watching cartoons and eating cake as a way to momentarily escape from the harsh reality and find some comfort.
What is the significance of 'piojitos' in the story?
-Piojitos are Max's favorite, and offering them is an attempt by Efren to bring some normalcy and joy to the situation, despite the tension.
How does the character Efren respond to the request to continue taking the twins to school?
-Efren agrees to continue taking the twins to school, showing a sense of responsibility and commitment to the children's routine despite the crisis.
What does the character Miho promise regarding the situation with Jeremiah?
-Miho promises that they will never give up on trying to reunite with Jeremiah, who is being detained, showing determination and hope.
What is the character's emotional outburst about?
-The character is expressing frustration and sadness about the unfairness of their situation, yearning for a simple life with their mother, which seems unattainable.

Outlines

00:00

😢 Emotional Aftermath of a Difficult Call

The script begins with a character, presumably Efron, who is deeply affected by a phone call. He stands still, struggling to breathe due to an emotional burden. With tears in his eyes, he tries to brace himself for the news. A friend breaks the silence, revealing that a woman, presumably a mother figure, is safe but detained at a checkpoint and being held at a Detention Center. Efron is torn between wanting to ask more and the overwhelming emotions he's experiencing. The presence of children, Max and Mia, adds to the complexity of the situation. Efron tries to reassure them, promising never to give up on bringing their mother home, despite the reality that she won't be coming home soon. The scene ends with an attempt to find comfort in watching cartoons and eating cake, a moment of respite in the midst of their hardship.

🍰 Seeking Normalcy Amidst Uncertainty

In this paragraph, the characters are trying to find some semblance of normalcy after the distressing news. Efron suggests watching cartoons and eating a carrot cake, inviting Max and Mia to join him. Despite their initial reluctance, the children eventually engage, with Max showing interest in 'piojitos,' a special treat. The act of eating cake and watching SpongeBob SquarePants together serves as a temporary distraction from their worries. After the children fall asleep, Efron and another character, APA, discuss the practicalities of continuing life without the detained mother. Efron expresses his desire to take on responsibilities such as taking the twins to school, while APA reassures him of their commitment to bringing the mother back. The paragraph ends with Efron grappling with feelings of helplessness and the unfairness of their situation.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Detention Center

A 'Detention Center' is a facility where individuals are held, typically by immigration authorities, pending the outcome of legal proceedings or decisions regarding their status. In the script, the term is central to the narrative as it represents the place where the mother is being held after being caught at a checkpoint, affecting the family's emotional state and their future plans.

💡Checkpoint

A 'Checkpoint' refers to a point or location where vehicles, individuals, or goods are stopped and inspected, often for security or regulatory compliance reasons. In the context of the video, the San Clemente checkpoint is where the van carrying the mother is pulled over, leading to her detainment and the subsequent emotional turmoil for the family.

💡Emotional Turmoil

Emotional turmoil describes a state of intense distress or agitation of the mind. The script vividly portrays this through the characters' reactions to the news of the mother's detainment, as they struggle with feelings of fear, sadness, and uncertainty about the future.

💡Coyote

In the context of immigration, a 'Coyote' is a person who smuggles people across borders, often for a fee. The script mentions considering a different coyote, indicating the family's previous attempt to cross the border and the desperation that leads them to consider such measures.

💡Recycling Center

A 'Recycling Center' is a place where waste materials are processed and converted into new products. In the script, the character considers collecting water bottles to take to the recycling center as a means to earn money, showing the lengths the family is willing to go to in order to afford another attempt at crossing the border.

💡SpongeBob

SpongeBob is a popular animated television character known for its light-hearted and humorous content. In the script, watching 'SpongeBob' serves as a temporary distraction and a moment of respite for the children amidst the emotional gravity of their situation.

💡Piojitos

Piojitos, or 'little kisses' in Spanish, is a term of endearment and affection. In the script, the character Max perks up at the mention of piojitos, indicating his fondness for them and providing a glimpse of normalcy and childhood joy amidst the difficult circumstances.

💡Never Give Up

The phrase 'Never Give Up' encapsulates the theme of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The script emphasizes this through the characters' commitment to reunite the family, despite the significant obstacles they face.

💡Cartoon

A 'Cartoon' is a form of two-dimensional illustrated visual art, often used in animation for children's entertainment. In the script, cartoons, specifically 'SpongeBob,' are used as a coping mechanism to help the children deal with the emotional stress of their current situation.

💡Carrot Cake

A 'Carrot Cake' is a type of cake made with grated carrots as a primary ingredient. In the script, the character brings over a carrot cake to the mattresses, using it as a means to create a moment of normalcy and comfort amidst the emotional upheaval.

💡Selfish

To be 'Selfish' is to be concerned primarily with one's own interests. In the script, the character expresses a desire to be selfish, not in a material sense, but in wanting the simple pleasure of having their mother back, highlighting the emotional depth of their longing.

Highlights

Efron is emotionally overwhelmed after a phone call, feeling a terrible weight on his chest.

Ephraim reveals that the van carrying Efron's wife was pulled over at a checkpoint and she is now in a Detention Center.

Max looks up to Efron with hopeful eyes, seeking reassurance.

Efron struggles to deliver the news to Max and Mia about their mother not being able to come home soon.

Efron makes a promise to never give up on trying to bring their mother home.

Efron tries to distract the children by watching cartoons and eating cake.

The children fall asleep after watching SpongeBob SquarePants.

Efron and Miho discuss continuing to take care of the twins even with their mother detained.

Efron contemplates collecting water bottles for recycling to help financially.

Miho reassures Efron that they will never give up trying to reunite the family.

Efron expresses his frustration and desire for a simple life with his mother back.

Miho comforts Efron, acknowledging the unfairness of their situation.

Efron is torn between wanting to be strong for the children and feeling overwhelmed by the situation.

The family tries to find solace in small moments of normalcy, like watching cartoons.

Efron's emotional turmoil is evident as he struggles to maintain composure in front of the children.

The transcript highlights the resilience and determination of the family in the face of adversity.

The story emphasizes the importance of family bonds and the lengths they will go to stay together.