Short Story Collection from the Past Year

By Adriana Corvalan

Note to Dr. Taciuch

Hello Dr. Taciuch,

In this eBook, I have pasted a handful of stories I created within the last year. I decided to add these random stories because I want to master Caliber. I wanted to see how well I can create a table of contents, interactive table of contents, cover page, etc. I have also adjusted the necessary formatting you suggested early on in the course.

Chapter 1

Arrivals and Departures – Spring 2021 Semester

Arrivals and Departures

FINALLY! The day has arrived to see my mother again! It’s been four to many months, I am so happy to have her in my arms again. My mama has no idea how much I’ve missed her. Just kidding, she totally does since I would call her every day she was in Brazil. It’s sort of funny because my mãe didn’t even want to go to Brazil, but she had to take care of some family business. She begged me to go with her, but she knew I couldn’t because I have to finish up my second to last semester before I earn my doctorates degree. Regardless, the day and time has arrived that mama is back home!

I began to drive to the airport at 2:20 pm and realized it was too early to head there. I made a quick detour and stopped at Walgreens to buy my mama a “Welcome Home” card. By the time I parked, picked out her card, and checked out, it was 2:50 pm. The GPS said I was 25 minutes away from the airport. Her planes arrival and my arrival were a little too close for my likings. I drove as fast, and as safely, as I could. I wouldn’t want to die on my way to pick up my mãe.

I arrived just in time to watch my mama walk out of the immigration doors. Our eyes met the second she walked out and we both froze and spoke to each other with our eyes. It felt like what we said to each other was, “thank God, I was afraid I wouldn’t see you again”. After this brief moment, I ran to my mama and gave her a big hug and tons of kisses! I am 100% sure if I had something in my hands, I would’ve dropped my items and ran to her. I would’ve completely ignored the annoying lady over the intercom saying, “please do not leave your bags unattended”. Oh well, as long as I leave with my mãe alive and well is all that matters!

After we embraced ourselves in each other’s arms, we made our way to the car and drove 20 minutes south, towards my mama’s house. On our way back, mama talked about her time in Brazil, but mostly the horrible plane ride she had. She said the 15 hours were horrible because there was a guy who basically snored the entire time and said the food was disgusting. Luckily, before she told me her story, I made plans for us. I hoped she had enough energy to go out, I figured she would given the four-hour time difference from California to Brazil. My plan was to take her to our all-time favorite Italian restaurant, Vapianos. This place was where my parents met and where they took me growing up. I told my mama, “Mâe, want to go out to eat? Let’s go to Vapianos? I planned this before I heard your horrible plane ride, I want to celebrate your return because I missed you!”. She was grateful I said this given her clapping her hands together and smiling.

She told me, “Adelina, nothing would make me happier than to eat at papais favorite restaurant! Could you let me shower first? I feel yucky and want to look cute for our date” and smiled.

I told her, “Mâe, of course, take your time! I’ll go put gas while I wait for you”.

We were 3 minutes away from her house when I realized I never gave her the “Welcome Home” card. I wanted to give it to her before we got home but I stopped myself. I realized I never wrote anything in it since I was in a rush to get to the airport! Luckily, she said she wanted to shower beforehand, so I figured I will do it when she’s getting ready.

We get to her house and unload her bags into my old bedroom. We finished unloading everything and I figured she was going to go straight to the shower, but she didn’t. Instead of going to the bathroom, she sits on the couch, looking tired.

I asked her “Mãe? Are you okay?”.

She took her time to respond, which scared me because she was so active just now.

Mama said, “Filha, yes, sorry. I just wanted to sit down because I started seeing those black dots, I was telling you about”. Fuck. I forgot about those black dots.

“Mãe, how about we just stay home instead? I don’t want you to –” she cut me off.

“Filha! No, I think taking me out to eat will distract me of these stupid black dots. I am ok, I promise. Just give me some time to recollect myself and I’ll go shower while you fill up the car”. I told her “Mãe, its ok, I insist, let’s stay home and order take out and watch a movie”.

She was not having it, “Eu já te disse. Make me feel better by taking me out, I want to go out with you amor, please, don’t ask me to stay home because I refuse”. Mama gave me a serious look, I recognized that serious look and did what she said.

Mama eventually got up and jumped in the shower. I wanted to make sure she was fine, even though I knew she was. She got those black dots because of too much weights she carries. Back in Brazil, she was helping my aunt move and began to see those black dots after she carried something heavy. In this case, she was carrying her luggage and saw those black dots again.

***

As my mama showered, I left to fill up my car. As I was driving to the gas station, I saw someone on the side of the street selling dozens of flowers. I thought to myself, “Adelina, you idiot, how do you get your mãe a ‘Welcome Home’ card without flowers?! It’s like having a birthday with no balloons”. HAHA! Whoops. I loved the white flowers I picked out, they were full of life and yelled ‘I love you Mama!’. I set the flowers down and drove to the gas station.

I used the gas station to my advantage to fill out the card; I knew I would take a while.

In the middle of writing in the card, I heard the nozzle jerk up. I ignored it though, I was leaving my heart and soul in that card. I didn’t want my inspiration to stop. I wanted her to get every inch of my love in that card. I blame my inspiration on finding my mãe sitting on the couch, it was weird finding her like that after she was so active. I was afraid something happened to her… I already lost one parent; I didn’t want to lose another.

After about an extra 7 minutes of writing, I was done! I got up and put everything in its place and drove home. Surprisingly though, as I was driving home, I received a phone call from my mãe. I thought the worst, but thankfully, she was just calling to see how long I have to get home. FHEWW!! What a relief I thought. I told her I was basically outside. Luckily, she had about 10 minutes left to get ready; this gave me enough time to give her the flowers inside her house instead of the restaurant.

***

As I was walking up the stairs my mother was coming down the hallway to leave the house. The first thing she saw was the set of white roses in her face. Obviously, she knew they were for her. I told my mãe. “I got these flowers for you to show you how much I love and miss you. You left for so long it felt like an eternity. Your trip reminded me of how much I need you in my life. I have no idea what I would do without you! I got these flowers for you from my heart because you are my heart and soul mãe; you are my motivation to do better. Eu amo você!!!”. Luckily, I was able to see my mãe face when I told her this. She began to cry and gave me a ton of kisses. She told me, “you don’t know how much I love you! You are my sun and sky; without you I wouldn’t know what to do with my life. I couldn’t go on with life without you!”. Everything she told me I knew already. I know she loves me with all her heart and soul.

After our emotional exchange, we headed out and made our way to Vapianos! The car ride was smooth, but it felt like forever. My mãe stomach and I basically spoke to each other the entire way because of how hungry we were. The second we saw the sign “Vapianos” we were both relieved. We said at the same time, “FINALLY!” and laughed.

The receptionist assigned us a table and waited for our favorite server, Jonal, to grab our orders.

Jonal came and the second he saw our faces he said, “oh hey! I haven’t seen you both here in a while, how has it been? Do you want the usual?”.

Mãe said, “Hey Jonal, I missed you! Yes, the usual for both of us please… wait, Adelina, you want the usual right?”

“Sim mãe. Except Jonal, could you bring two cups of wine for my mother and I?”

Mãe said, “ohh wow! Adelina, what are we celebrating?!”

I said, “really mãe? We are celebrating your arrival!”

She said, “ay, sim, I know, I just wanted to hear it again!”

Oh mother, I thought. She’s so cute!

Jonal left and began to get our order started. I know this because I saw him punch in stuff into his computer. I am sure it was for us.

I told mãe “now, we must continue waiting for our food!”. She smiled and began a strange conversation.

Mãe said, “Adelina, I didn’t want to tell you this earlier because I knew it would scare you. But when I had the little episode of those black dots at the house, I remembered a sad story I heard in Brazil.”

THERE! I thought. There is the reason why she took a while to respond on the couch.

She continued, “It’s of one of my favorite neighbors who I lived next to in Sāo Paulo. Marcela, a Guatemalan woman that lived in Brazil, died in a horrible accident. Apparently, she was walking towards her house when a car struck her from behind and smashed her into another car. She was basically part of a sandwich in between two cars. It was horrible! To make it worse, she normally went out with her 4-year-old daughter around that time, but this time when the mom went out, she didn’t take her. How faith is right? Imagine if the little girl was there, she would’ve died to. I am not sure if it was better that she wasn’t there or what. She is going to continue life without her mom, I am sure the little girl feels horrible.”

Wow. I thought. I told mãe “My gosh, I am sorry for the little girl. I couldn’t imagine living life, especially at age four, without my mãe. But mãe, why didn’t you tell me this before?” I said.

Mãe said, “Because, filha, I didn’t want you to think I was indirectly telling you I was going to die soon since I thought about this when I saw those black dots”

“But mãe—” I said.

“No wait, let me finish, I let you talk at home about what you felt now let me.”

“Ok, I hear you” I said.

“Bom. When I heard this story, I thought of you. I am so glad I had the opportunity to watch you grow up into this beautiful woman. I am so thankful to help mold you into this smart, bright, sweet, and loving woman. Of course, your father had a lot to do with how you grew up, but so did I. I am entirely grateful for how you treat and love me like you do. I don’t tell you this often, but you are literally the best daughter I could’ve ever asked for. I wouldn’t trade you for the world! If something were to happen to me the day after tomorrow, I want you to know, wherever you are and wherever you’re headed, I will be with you. I will be right by your side cheering you on and moving all the negative spirits and people out of your way. I will continue to take care of you regardless of where I am. Remember, you are my sun and sky, I will do anything and everything to make sure you are ok!”

Oh my gosh I thought.

I said, “Mãe, I told you how much –” tears were rolling down my face and it was hard for me to take the words out.

Mãe said, “you don’t have to say it filha. I know.”

“No mãe. You mean absolutely the world to me. Everything you told me just now scares me! It sounds like you’re telling me your goodbyes. If you are suffering tell me! I rather suffer than you! I am soon going to have my doctorates degree, once I have that our lives will skyrocket to another level. Mãe you’re— “. She cuts me off, again.

“Don’t worry Adelina, nothing is going to happen to me. I wanted to tell you this story because it made a huge impact on me. It made me want to tell you what I felt. It made me want to do more things with you. Every moment is precious, how about we just focus on our happiness and everything will be ok” mãe said.

As Jonal arrived with our meals and drinks, I grabbed the cup of wine and cheered, “to being with each other always!” I said. “Yes, estar um com o outro sempre, Adelina!” (to being with each other always, Adelina). Mãe and I drank up and began to dig into our food. We left the emotional conversation behind us and moved onto happier conversations. We mainly focused on the pounds of delicious picaña she ate in Brazil.

After we finished our meal, Jonal came and asked if we had room for dessert. Mãe and I had the intention to order our favorite desert to end the night, but we were stuffed! We looked at each other and shook our heads and laughed.

I told Jonal, “Jonal, I think we need another stomach to fit dessert in. My mother and I are fine thank you. Could you bring us the check, please?”.

Jonal laughed and said, “no problem, Adelina”.

After Jonal left, he came back moments after and handed me the check. My mãe reached for the check, but I beat her to it. She insisted she would pay but I refused, as always! I told her, “When are you going to learn? I am taking care of you mãe, always”.

After I signed the receipt, mãe and I made our way to the car. The ride from Vapianos to her house was fun, for the most part. We got in the car and my mãe began to tell me about a dream she had a few days ago. She said she dreamt of her deceased mother hugged her crying.

She said, “Adelina, I tried my hardest to see if it was a bad cry or happy cry. The second I was about to see her face I woke up! I am afraid of what it means Adelina”.

I tell her, “Mãe, don’t worry, she was probably happy because she finally got to see you. Let’s think happy thoughts mãe, remember what we said in the restaurant? Every moment is precious, let’s make the best out of it!”

She responded, “yeah Adelina, it’s probably that, I don’t want to think negative because we had such an amazing time tonight, I am so glad I am back here with you, I missed you so much! Let’s play some music, yeah?”

I said, “turn it up mãe!!!”

We sang the entire ride back to her house. We went through our 5 top 10 songs and ended the night with, “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” by Selena Quintanilla. Mãe and I love this song! It was the best song to end the night. I’m pretty sure we left our lungs in my car. Mãe even said, “wow! We sound like we were in a concert since we lost our voice a little” and laughed.

A few seconds went by as I pulled up to my mães house. She got out of the car and walked around to my side. As she was walking past the front of my car, a car sped by and nearly ran her over! Well, he didn’t almost run her over but a few seconds earlier he would have. I peeped as loud as I could, and I think the only person who heard me was my mãe since she was in front of the car.

I told her, “Whoops! Sorry mãe, that guy just made me upset, he could’ve ran you over! What an idiot”.

She said, “Adelina, relax, nothing happened. If anything, I think you blew my ear drums out with that horn. I don’t think the guy even heard you with the air rushing by and his loud music. But anyways, I had a wonderful night tonight! I had the chance to spend time with you and eat at our favorite restaurant. Thank you for everything sweetie. You are the greatest person I could’ve asked for. Take care, goodnight!” and she tried to lean in to kiss me goodnight, but I stopped her because I wanted to give her a hug goodnight, not just a kiss.

I said, “Mãe, I love you so much, I will always remember this emotional night! Remember, every moment is precious, let’s make the best out of it!!” I leaned in and hugged her as long as I could. When I pulled away, I kissed her goodnight on her cheek. I got back in my car and watched my mãe go inside. I thought to myself “I missed you so much mãe, I am glad you are back safe”. As she turned around to wave goodbye, I yelled at her saying, “mãe! Text me when you wake up! Maybe we could watch a movie together tomorrow night?!!”. She responded, “Ok, Adelina, I look forward to it!” and I drove away.

My ride back home consisted of light background noise that surrounded my thoughts of tonight. I thought to myself the entire ride and reflected on all the good times I spent with my mãe. I remember how much of a hard worker she was to ensure I had a great life. I remembered her rushing back from work to take me to practice. I remembered her singing in the car and me in the back pretending to know the lyrics. I remembered her teaching me how to bake and cook. How to clean and skateboard, and especially how to be loving and respectful to those around me. As I finished reminiscing, I said aloud, “what would I do without you?!! I LOVE YOU MÃE!!!”. I didn’t notice I said this out loud until I finished saying it out loud. I thought that was weird and kept my thoughts to myself. I turned up the radio and continued to drive home.

As I was driving home, I realized I had nothing to do except watch a movie. Before getting to my apartment, I stopped by “Redbox” and picked a movie out for myself. I look at the time and notice it was barely 7:00 pm. I figured I should get two movies but stopped myself because I didn’t want to wake up to late tomorrow. I chose one movie and walked back to my car. Walking to my car I realized I never saw where I was going. I was distracted by the wrong movie in my hand that the machine mistakenly gave me. The second I realized I didn’t look up; it was too late.

The idiot aggressive driver who sped passed by mãe and nearly killed her was in front of me. I knew it was him because of the car he was standing next two and the loud music playing. He said, “YOU ARE THE ONE WHO BEEPED AT ME DIDN’T YOU?!!!”

I looked at him in his eyes and noticed they were extremely dilated. I thought to myself, Crystal Meth. I had the full intention to respond to him, but I knew if I did I would not backdown.

Instead of responding, I turned around and walked away. When I turned around, I caught a glimpse of his gun poking out of his jeans. When I saw this, I was afraid of what this man would do. I tried to get someone’s attention but there was nobody around to distract him with. I could feel his eyes burning on my back, raging with anger. It felt like an eternity when someone finally got out their car. I wanted to get the woman’s attention, but they were already on me. I was about to speak up when I heard her yell out, “NOOOO!!!!!”

When I heard the woman yell out no, I tried to turn around but felt a warm rush of something spread over my head. I tried to figure out what it was, but I was immobile. At this point, I knew what had happened. I knew the man pulled out his gun and shot me on the side of the head. That spread of warmth was blood and what was upon me was death. I tried to look around, but I was blinded by a beautiful butterfly flying towards a bright light, a bright light I was heading towards. The last thing I remember I said was “I love you Mãe”.

Chapter 2

With You – Fall Semester 2021

With You

Her husband stood frozen, looking at his wife, he was clearly checking her out. She realizes what he was doing and gives him a warm smile. Such a pretty smile that lady has. I’m proud to call her my mom, and I’m proud to call that husband my dad. My mom is awesome because she isn’t your typical woman. She isn’t like the girls who don’t know how to drive or handle a gun. She’s the type of woman who can carry her own weight, and not push it against someone else. She will never start a fight, but she won’t back down from one either. Even though she can do all these things, she’s quiet and mostly keeps to herself. That crazy side would only come out when people looked for it.

I question, how can a woman be like that? How can a woman be quiet and keep to herself? How can a woman be ready to fight in whatever situation? I’m not sure where my dad found her, but he’s a lucky man. I hope to be like my mama one day!

Besides my mom’s awesome characteristics, there was something off about her. She showed the world she was the happiest she can be with her daughter (me), dog, and husband. But what would through you off is her look and body language. When you study her body language and facial expression, those happy feelings didn’t reflect that. Her stare was blank at certain times of the day, her eyebrows would fold up and in just slightly. This was a clear sign that something was going on in her head. But what could be the problem? She has a huge house, a beautiful dog, a handsome husband, an awesome child, and a company within the hospitality industry. What could be the problem? Why is she off?

***

I try to figure out my mom all the time. I think I know her pretty well, but I know my dog, Chef, better than anyone in this family. Chef always comes up to me to give me lovies, he rubs his whole body on my legs, and I tickle his stomach when he’s face up. I’ve really got a strong connection with my boy Chef. But I prefer my mom to give me that same attention, at least I have Chef to make me feel better.

I wish my mom would pay more attention to me like Chef does. But she’s always busy with her luxurious hotels that she manages, and doesn’t really acknowledge my presence, only sometimes. I understand though, I know she is doing her best in order to make ends meet. I know eventually she’ll give me lovies, she normally does it at night before she goes to sleep with my dad.

Oh yeah! My dad!!! How can I possibly forget about my dad!? He’s one of the most loving people to me and my mom. But he’s super cold to everyone except us of course, we’re his favorite girls. It’s kind of cool how cold he is, he’s cold to everyone except his family. He’s shown me that if it involves his family, he would go to the ends of the world for them. I’ve seen it, I know. But I don’t know how he does it! How can a man be so cold to the world except to his family? Well, to be honest, sometimes he’ll be cold to his family but never to my mom. He has a sweet spot for her, I know he will do anything for her. Just like she would to him… Remember I said my mom is awesome? Yeah, she would do anything for her husband just like he would for her.

***

I just had dinner at the family table, and it consisted of steak, rice, guac, lettuce, and some carrots. My mom had to put at least one veggie on the plate. We all chugged down her plate and stayed at the table to talk a bit. We always did that, it’s a way to catch up with our day, goal, and plan for the week or next day. At that point, my parents mostly talked among themselves, then eventually directed their attention to me. My mom asked how I’ve been, where I went today, what I did, and why haven’t I… Then suddenly something weird happened, she got up and left? She totally left me hanging, I was responding to her and she rudely got up and left the table. My dad’s eyes followed her and sighed. He looked up and said, “babe, why did you leave us?” and followed her into the kitchen and in the bathroom.

I was worried about my mom, so I went to check on her. To no surprise, the door was closed. I could hear my mom and dad talk to each other, but I couldn’t make out what they were saying. Chef bumped his whole body into me, I guess he sensed something was wrong with my mom, or maybe he was there just to comfort me? Either way, the only conclusion I got out of this whole dinner was, I miss my mommy.

***

Since my mom and dad where hiding in the bathroom for hours, I took it upon myself to put the dishes in the sink and wash up for bed. By the time I finished putting my PJ’s on, my mom came into my room. I told her, “YAY! Mama!”. She came to the side of my bed and began to sing her lullaby. As she was approaching the side of my bed, I studied her face in the dark and I could tell she was off again. I could tell there was something in her face that was bothering her. I didn’t want to say anything, I rather show her I’m here for her. So, I went in for a hug, but she beat me to the punch. She didn’t know I was already beginning to hug her. When she hugged me, she laid her hand on my ribs and began to sing her lullaby. This was my favorite part of the night; she would come in my room and give me hugs and kisses then sing our song every night until I fell asleep. Our song goes:

“To hold you in my arms again,

To kiss your cheek once again,

To rap you in all my love,

To show you what I’d do for you,

Till tomorrow, my lovely baby,

Till next year, my lovely baby,

I’ll love you forever, my lovely baby,

Till we meet again my loving baby”

                        (Adriana)

I have no idea what it means, I only know she’s sad that I’m falling asleep.

Chapter 3

Surroundings – Fall 2020 Semester

Surroundings

I would’ve liked to tell you my story, but you never gave me the chance to. Maybe if you knew my story you would’ve approached me in a different way? Now that I know you’ll listen; I can tell you. All my life, since I was a baby, my parents were the most loving people to each other and myself. I grew up in a home filled with lots of love and attention, my parents clearly wanted the best for me. But sometimes my parents would hold me down too much and didn’t let me go out as often as the other girls in my high school. I guess they knew a thing or two about how dangerous Panama was in 2006. Although, strangely and thankfully at the same time, my parents allowed me to spend time with my best friend Carla, its most likely because they’ve known her since we were in “Escuela Primaria de Panama” (an Elementary school in the city). My parents would constantly allow her to come over, and also take us to the movies. We would always go to the movies and watch the latest movie that came out. We would go frequently enough that the cashiers knew our names and order every time we went. Having them know our orders saved us a lot of time because we wanted the best seats in the house.

For my 17th birthday, Carla invited me to the movies, and in this memorable time, a young man, around 24 years old, had our order ready the second we walked through the door. I found it strange because I never seen that man before, apparently, he was new. The most memorable part of that birthday was what happened when I stepped out to answer my mom’s phone call. I answered her call and couldn’t hear her well, her voice was very choppy, so I had to look for reception elsewhere. I stepped out the theater and went searching for it until I found myself in the stair way of the theaters building. From one second to another, I realized I was approached by that man and was raped in the stairway. I tried to yell but he had my mouth and nose covered with a towel he had in his hand. He pulled down my skirt and began to touch me. He went for my vagina and forced himself in me. I never had sex before, let alone a boyfriend; and based off what the older girls in my school told me about sex, this did not feel good at all. What I felt was horrible, the inside of my vagina ripped, and I couldn’t breathe or yell for help. I had my heart in my hand and I felt like I was seconds away from dying. My self-value went plummeting down after this incident. When he finished with me, he left me with so many scars, both mentally and physically. That man abused me, he abused every aspect of me, he degraded me, he ruined me, all he had left to do was kill me.

What happened a few weeks after this incident is indescribable. The city found out about the rape and did everything in their power to find him. Three weeks later, the city found him and killed him. The city tortured him by stoning him to death. I felt sorry for him even though he raped me, I felt sorry for him only because he wasn’t unable to see his son I delivered. 9 months after my rape I gave birth to his child. This decision came from respect to my unborn child at the time. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life; he was my happiness and motivation to do better.

Throughout my decision, my parents tried to persuade me to drop it, but I didn’t have the heart to. With lots of long conversations with my parents and Carla, I chose to keep the baby. After baby boy Emmanuel was born, I struggled to find a job. I applied everywhere possible, and the only place I managed to work at was at a restaurant. The tips I got did not help at all, my family and I were struggling to keep up with the bills, let alone getting food on the table. In Panama, if you don’t have a degree higher than bachelors, you won’t find a job that pays you more than 28,000 a year. I didn’t have enough money to go to school, I couldn’t even feed myself, how could I set everything aside and go to school? I would’ve been dead before I turned a sophomore. With that being said, from one week to the other, I decided to go to the United States in search for work. It was for the well-being of my baby, my parents, and myself. Emmanuel was 1 year old when I left him with my parents, it hurt to go but I found comfort in knowing he was in safe hands.

It took me 3 months to cross over all Central American countries to get to the United States, without getting caught. I saw tons of people get stopped by police and die in the process of pursuing a better life. Although, I understood why the police stopped people from crossing over, they didn’t understand our incentive to why we did it. We all chose family over the legal system. After I finally crossed over to the U.S., I got to a friend’s house and found a job within a few weeks. I got a job in Beverly hills as a caregiver to an 80-year-old woman. She taught me English, how to read, how to use the internet, how to drive, how to nit, where to send money to my family, how to swim, how to bowl and so much more. She had a strong attitude, but you could tell she was a good person. During my time with her, I lived in her mansion and would get paid 60,000 a year for caring for her. Because of her son who hired me, I was able to provide for my family back home; he was the reason I started to do better. I was requested to work 7 days a week, all day, without a break. Except, when he would stop by. He allowed me to have time for myself while he spent time with her. I would leave for a few hours and come back at a reasonable time, specifically before the time he told me to. But one day, I didn’t go back.

That’s when I met you. You were the most handsome guy in that Mexican restaurant in Santa Monica. But I should’ve known you were crazy. I thought you were handsome until you started talking; your voice was of a 5-year-old in a 28-year old body. I politely rejected you and you didn’t stop talking to me. You began to harass me, and I continued to reject you. You didn’t step away from me and your voice began to sound angrier by the sentence. You got to close to me, and I pushed you, hard. I had enough of you and didn’t want to experience my rape again, it was getting fairly close to that experience. After you fell to the ground, you got up and pulled out your gun and shot me twice. One in the collar bone and the other on my neck. I was laid out on the restaurant floor, dying, and the last thing I thought about was of my son and parents.

You may not remember, but a few hours after you killed me, the whole city and police were searching for you. You were wanted by the police because you had killed two other people prior to your stop at the Santa Monica restaurant. They arrested you while you were in progress of committing another murder. They tackled you to the ground and transitioned you to the county jail. The judge ruled you were psychotic, and then forced you to serve your time in a mental institution.

As I tell you this story, you are currently in that institution. Now that you know my story and the current story of yours, do you wonder how you can hear me? You can hear me because of the mixture of pills they gave you. You are not dead; the only person dead is me. I want you to know I’m not in heaven nor hell, rather, I am in the “in-between”. I am watching over my son and parents until I know they’ll be successful and safe. Until then, I will be watching over them to make sure I do everything in my power to help them.

Now that you know my story, I wonder if you would’ve approached me in a different way, if, at all? I would’ve liked to tell you my story, but you never gave me the chance to. I’m sure you were a nice guy, but you were wrong for many reasons. Because of you, I can’t provide for my family as I want to. Instead, my body is decomposing in the city where I grew up in. I see my parents and child almost every week because they visit my grave. So, I’m not sure whether to hate you or thank you. All I know is, I only have you to talk to in my time in the in-between.

Chapter 4

Mamá – Spring 2021 Semester

Mamá

There is a mom, who is a house cleaner,

Who came to this country for a better future.

Not for her, but for her kids.

That mama came to this country with the intentions of setting up their kids for life.

That mama came to this country and landed in California,

Picking grapes and oranges,

Working a morning job at a newspaper company,

Throwing their packets of newspapers to residents in the heart of California.

She wished she wasn’t in another country, away from her kids, but,

She knew she had to.

That mama had a goal in her life.

Her goal was to set up her kids for life.

That mama worked longed hours just so her kids can have the chance to enjoy life to its fullest.

Unfortunately, the kid’s family back home would judge the mom.

Would say things like, “oh she got money, why doesn’t she come back”

Little did they know, she gave all her paycheck to her kids.

That mama literally worked to give everything to her kids!

Everything that she wished she had growing up.

That mama’s time at the fruit picking company came to an end.

There were to many sexual assaults there.

Thankfully, she wasn’t a statistic.

She also left the newspaper company to seek work in Virginia.

Apparently, Virginia was popping in 1995.

When she got to Virginia, she started working as a house cleaner to a man in McLean.

As the years went on, her cleaning skills boosted her clientele.

That mama thanked God for every opportunity she had.

Because of her cleaning skills, politeness, drive to set up her kids for life,

Brought her many unique opportunities.

How could a cleaning lady be connected with many people in politics?

Tad Devine, Terry McAuliffe, Cathy Russel, George Stevens Jr.,

and President Joe Biden.

Yes. That Mama’s hard work is reflected on her quality of work,

But that’s not what makes her special.

What makes her special is that with a high school diploma,

With an extremely strict and tough childhood,

With her drive to learn to speak English to communicate better,

And to defend herself,

She became, what several people consider, “the greatest house cleaner ever”.

Regardless of that mama’s accomplishments,

She still gets undermined because of her job title.

She defends herself every time someone belittles her.

She defends herself and the rest of house cleaners in the world,

Who are stereotyped because of their job title.

“House cleaners have no formal education; they just work to have more kids”.

Should that mom forgive those people?

Should that mom allow them to be forgiven by this hard-working woman?

The bitter answer is no, no she shouldn’t forgive.

But this woman is different, she would forgive.

She will forgive them for their uneducated judgement.

She will forgive them for their misjudgment.

She will forgive them for not asking about her story.

She will forgive anyone who judges her this way.

She knows what she’s worth,

She knows how respectful and loving all her clients are,

She knows her worth ethic,

She knows that if that judgmental person came to know her.

They will beg for her forgiveness because they completely misjudged her.