“It’s from the Mexicans,” she explained, slicing the cake.
“Mom,” I protested. “They have names.”
“I can’t remember…”
“Hugo and Gina. They’ve lived next door for more than a year.”
“They’re nice,” she admitted, “but I don’t let them in.”
Later that afternoon, the “For Sale” sign appeared next door.
Tony Jasnowski teaches English at Bellevue University in Bellevue, NE. He is grateful for those neighbors who welcomed his own immigrant parents and siblings many years ago.
“All they will call them is just deportees” (Woody Guthrie) I appreciate how deft you were in portraying the mother.
Beverly, thanks so much for the compliment and the quote.
This reminds me of when I was in grade school (long, long ago). Whenever I’d bring certain friends home to play, my mother would say, “They’re nice, but….” Thanks, Tony, for saying it so simply and touchingly.
Alex, thank you so much for your kind words. I am happy to report that my own mother would never have said anything like this about anyone. She was willing to a fault to bring anyone into our home.
Sadly, this paints an all-too-familiar scenario. I like its resonance.