Efren Divided chapter 12 by Ernesto Cisneros read aloud

Summary

In this chapter, the twins are excited about buttermilk pancakes from Denny's, but the main focus is on Efren's journey. He is sent to Tijuana alone to meet his deported mother, despite the risks and his fears. With the help of a kind taxi driver named Lalo, who shares his own story of deportation, Efren navigates the unfamiliar city. The narrative captures the emotional turmoil of separation and the hope of reuniting with loved ones, set against the backdrop of the challenging border reality.

Takeaways

• 🌅 The story begins early in the morning with the twins excited about going to Denny's for buttermilk pancakes.
• 🤗 The twins are taken to a daycare run by Adela, a kind and well-liked lunch lady, after a stop at an Arco station for gas.
• 🚗 Efren is apprehensive about a two-hour drive to San Diego and is given money to play a claw machine, an unusual treat.
• 👶 Max chooses a panda bear with shifty button eyes, while Mia is intrigued by a possibly mis-sewn animal toy.
• 🚫 Efren is not interested in playing the claw machine, acting as if it's the last time he'll see his friends, hinting at a secret.
• 📝 Efren is handed contact information for his cousin Miguel 'just in case', indicating a sense of risk or uncertainty.
• 🚘 The journey to San Diego is filled with Efren's internal struggle and the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Ocean.
• 🛃 At the San Clemente checkpoint, Efren worries about the border patrol, showing his fear and anxiety about the journey.
• 🏭 Efren is reminded of his mother's comforting touch and the courage he needs for the task ahead, emphasizing family importance.
• 🚶‍♂️ Efren crosses the border alone, pretending to be part of a family to blend in, highlighting the risks immigrants face.
• 🚖 Efren meets a taxi driver named Lalo, who shares his own story of deportation and the harsh reality of life in Tijuana.
• 💭 Efren contemplates the possibility of not being able to return to the U.S., reflecting on the complex choices faced by immigrants.
• 📍 Lalo gives Efren directions to the Arco on Revolution Avenue and warns him about the dangers of straying off the main streets.
• 🅿️ Efren is dropped off near a McDonald's where he feels a sense of relief and reassurance in the familiar surroundings.

Q & A

Why were the twins not asleep at the early hour?

The twins were not asleep because they were excited about the idea of having buttermilk pancakes from Denny's.

What activity did the twins rarely get to do?

The twins rarely got to play the claw machine.

Why did APA give playing money to Ephraim?

APA gave playing money to Ephraim so he could play the claw machine with the twins.

What was Adela's role in the story?

Adela was the lunch lady whose duplex apartment doubled as the school's unofficial daycare.

Why did the twins' smiles vanish when their father handed Adela Miguel's contact information?

The smiles vanished because it seemed as if their father was preparing for a situation where he might not return, making the situation awkward and uneasy.

Why was Efren going to Tijuana alone?

Efren was going to Tijuana alone because it was something he had to do for his mother and the entire family; it was their only plan.

What was Efren's emotional state during the drive to San Diego?

Efren's emotional state was nervous and apprehensive, as he was scared about crossing the border alone and worried about what could happen.

What was the significance of the San Clemente checkpoint?

The San Clemente checkpoint was significant because it was a random border patrol spot to catch people coming up from the border, which made Efren uneasy about his return.

Why did Efren choose the taxi driver named Lalo?

Efren chose Lalo because he reminded him of Rafa from his neighborhood, and he felt a sense of familiarity and safety with him.

What did Lalo mean when he referred to Tijuana as 'limbo' and 'the land of the Forgotten'?

Lalo referred to Tijuana as 'limbo' and 'the land of the Forgotten' to describe it as a place that is not quite Mexico or the U.S., implying it's a place where people are stuck and forgotten.

How did Lalo's story about his daughter affect Efren?

Lalo's story about his daughter made Efren question the idea of crossing over to the U.S. and whether it was really an option for him and his family.

What was Efren's final destination in Tijuana?

Efren's final destination in Tijuana was the Arco on Revolución Avenue, where he was supposed to meet his AMA.