Efrén Divided

“How would you feel about walking to school by yourself?”

Efrén is happy to hear this question from Amá; he is eager to enjoy a “solo” walk to school when Amá usually insists on accompanying him. Efrén associates his independence with freedom and maturity; he holds himself above others whose parents still helicopter around them protectively. This line and Amá’s choice to let Efrén walk alone, however, foreshadow her sudden departure from the family when she is arrested and deported by ICE officials that afternoon. Efrén soon learns that independence is difficult and disheartening without his mother there.

“Efrén knew all too well how horribly wrong most of David’s plans usually went. Still, he couldn’t say no to his best friend.”

David, with his outspoken and wacky personality, provides Efrén with smiles and laughs, allowing him to experience some levity even when Efrén is worried and stressed about his parents’ immigration status. The plan in question here is David’s choice to run for president of the class. Efrén cannot turn his back on David’s request for help, even if he suspects the election will not go well. This line provides relationship background and demonstrates indirectly how Efrén allows his sense of devotion to override his suspicion that David’s choice might be a bad idea.