The Prophet of Seventh Avenue - Submission Manuscript

7/31/2019 The Prophet of Seventh Avenue - Submission Manuscript

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The Prophet of Seventh Avenue

Robert Goodman Page 2 of77

The piping that Rico had just assembled was in a T-bar configuration. Ernesto lifted the

cross-like assemblage and held it up just underneath the boiler rooms single, spare light

bulb as if admiring the work.

He thought a moment about his next words and then handed it back to the young

apprentice.

This is good, Ricothis is what is supposed to look like when it is done, but tell me

how you are going to fit the supply line off to support the additional burners?.

Well its right there, Ernesto.

Show me., Ernesto implored.

Rico went took the black pipe assembly and went over to the open gap in the gas line. He

started twisting the couplings by hand and tightening until all four ends were fastened.

Ernesto already anticipated what would happen next.

Rico splayed his hands out in presentation at the fastened pipes as if to say, See?

Calmly, Ernesto replied; Okaynow tighten the couplings.


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Grabbing the pipe wrench, Rico seemed uncertain about which coupling to start with

first; settled on the one furthest away from the boiler. Ernesto noted that this was good

instinct on Ricos part, but he would soon see the flaw as he moved on to the other

couplings.

The boiler room, like all boiler rooms, was warm and both he and Rico had taken off

their green work shirts. Ernesto sat down on a turned upside down plastic pail, often used

for bleeding off water pressure. As he watched the apprentice move on to the side

couplings an uncontrollable smile started to appear on his face.

As Rico started fastening the couplings off each arm, the pipe wrench would tighten one

end, but then cause twisting in the entire pipe assembly. After the second turn, the

opposite side arm wriggled loose from the pipe. Rico stepped back in frustration and

looked over at Ernesto.

You knew that was going to happen, didnt you?.

I did., answered the smiling, experienced black-pipe engineering certified maintenance

man of the Oceanhurst Middle School. But this is how you will learnby making

mistakes.


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Ernesto continued as he helped Rico disassemble the pipes. The trick is to plan

everything out like you did on what pipe goes where, but to assemble them back on to the

plumbing one step at a time.

There are no shortcuts when it comes to black pipe work. Also, always work with the

end in mind and how you would disassemble the finished job from start to finish. This is

how you can plan the project correctly.

Rico patiently nodded.

Herecap those ends off., Ernesto said as he handed the metal fittings to the young

man. Well come back tomorrow after the lunch rooms are cleaned and Ill show you

how to put this in the right way.

As Rico capped the ends of the open pipe, Ernesto wiped his forehead with a pocket

bandanna and put his work shirt back on. He signaled Rico to do the same as they left the

boiler room. Principal Sandoval felt it was important that his custodial employees were

in their uniforms when in the hallways of the school. Failure to comply was to receive a

warning, at best, or an official letter of reprimand in your file.

While they walked back to the custodial office, Ernesto thought about Principal

Sandoval. He considered him to be a good man. Fair to school employees and students


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alike; he was firm when he needed to be, but could be often found speaking casually to

anyone within the middle school campus.

Over the past several years, though, the wear and tear of disciplining a generation of

children with little home supervision had put its mark on him. Martin Sandoval had been

one of the first to deal with the issue of gangs by instituting uniforms for the school

children. Ernesto believed that uniforms were a bandage on the larger issue of so many

boys without fathers or supervision at home. Nonetheless, it at least acknowledged that

there was a problem.

Ernesto handed Rico his tool bag to drop off in the office, while he went and did

inspection rounds of the cleaned classrooms. He wished the young man a good evening

and went upstairs to the second floor to begin.

He started his inspection rounds on the second floor and methodically went from

classroom to classroom to double check that all the cleaning and straightening had been

done. They had a new custodian start several months ago and this was part of the training

process. Without any guidance, people will do whatever they please, but if they were

being paid to do a specific job, Ernesto felt it should be done the way your employer

wanted it done.


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Robert Goodman Page 6of77

Ernesto would tell the new custodians that there were no shortcuts when doing your duty.

This was the only way, in his mind, to instilling a pride in ones work. This new

custodian, Benny, was starting to do a really good job. He knew that in Mrs. Timmins

6th

grade class, one of the students had thrown a juice box at another student earlier today

and that much of it had landed on the window and radiator grill. When he inspected this

classroom, he could see that Benny had cleaned up the window and grillwork completely;

even though they were required to only clean the windows once a week every Friday.

Benny didnt wait. He saw a mess and he cleaned it up immediately.

He made a note to himself praise Benny when he got back to the custodial office.

Rico was also coming along as well. Like himself, Ricos family was from El Salvador

and had come to the Oceanhurst area around 30 years ago. Although they were not

friendly during their school years, Rico was about his son Andres age.

Like all men his age, Rico displayed the confidence and assurance of knowing much

more than they really didbut Rico was different in that he was now mature enough to

understand he had plenty to learn. And he was ambitious. He wanted to study to get his

black pipe certification enabling him to work on the school boilers. This would be a

bump in pay and allow him to be considered for a supervisory position when one opened

up in the district.


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As he went to the next classroom, he contemplated again that not only was Rico the same

age as Andre, but Manolo would have been the same age too.

Manolo.

Ernesto shook his head to clear it as he thought about Manolo. To this day he never quite

understood why Manolo was the lost one. It had been ten years since he had died. He

could have had a job like Ricos now or even like his son, the speech pathologist, over in

Oakton. Even though Manolo came from a poor family, he was very bright and had the

potential to be anything he wanted to become.

But that was not to be

The desks were straightened perfectly in this classroom and all the wastebaskets emptied.

The floor was swept clean. Benny was doing well.

Sixteen more classrooms to go; then good night to day staff. After catching up with the

night custodian, Jerry, he would go home.

Home. His quiet home.


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The next day was pretty routine for Ernesto. After doing this job for 28 years, there

wasnt much that he didnt know what to do even when there were emergencies or

surprises. Luckily, the day was uneventful.

He went home around 6:00 pm. As he lived only three blocks from the school, the walk

usually took less than ten minutes, except when he stopped at Sofias Marketa to get food

for dinner.

During the day, Ernesto generally grabbed a slice of toast and juice at the school cafeteria

and then whatever was being served for lunch. But dinner at home was the hardest meal

for Ernesto. Not that he didnt know how to cook; he did.

Or at least, he learned enough not to burn food to the point of being inedible after Millie

had passed on.

Nodinner at home was hard for Ernesto because he no longer had Millie.

As he walked in the door, he hung up his coat and sat down in his chair at the dining

room table. He looked over at the clock which said 6:10 pm.

And as he sat there in the silence, he thought to himself that the loneliest time in this

town was 6:10 pm.


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He did not let the thought overtake him and after several minutes, decided to turn on the

radio while he made his dinner. The music and news would be a good distraction from

his sense of being alone.

Fortunately, Andre and Ricky, his five-year old grandson, would come by on Sunday

after church and they would have a family meal together. It would be like old times.

Andre had Ricky every other weekend and most Sundays were spent at PopPops

house.

Ernesto loved these days, but with the full regret, that Millie was not there to share them.

Nonetheless, Sunday would be a good day.

On Saturday, Ernesto spent the morning repairing a storm door that had pulled away from

the door frame where the wood had crumbled due to water damage. He removed the

door entirely from the frame and took a plank of 1 x 6 to replace the damaged portion.

After ensuring that the exterior part of the frame was properly caulked and painted to

reduce the risk of future water damage, he re-hung the door. It squeaked a little bit

because the hinge had been out of alignment for a while so he got his oil can from the

garage and lubricated the hinge.


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There were other doors in the house with squeaky hinges and decided that while he had

the oil can in hand, he would lubricate these as well.

By the time he was done, it was mid-afternoon. He decided to walk along the boardwalk

to pass the time until dinner. Walking along the ocean was one of the great joys of living

in Oceanhurst and the Rezos family often took advantage of it while the Andre was

younger. He, Millie and Andre strolling along the boardwalk; not saying much, but just

being together. In the warmer weather, they often stopped at the Italian ice store for a

cold, frozen sweet break from the heat. It was the closest thing toMinuta.

He missed those times together as a family. For now, he walked by himself.

A little after six-o-clock, he walked into the pizza place at the end of the boardwalk and

had a slice of pizza. He never felt that hungry after walking and this would hold him

over until tomorrows meal with Andre and Ricky.

As he sat down, he looked over at the wall clock which was a picture of a large pizza,

with a knife and fork as the hour and minute hands. He noted the time.

It was 6:10 pm.


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On Sunday morning, Ernesto walked to St. Ignatius Church four blocks away for the

eight-o-clock service. It was a sunny morningand fortunate to be so since today was

Palm Sunday. They gathered outside as the young acolytes dressed in red cassocks and

white albs reverently handed out palms to everyone. Father Angelli led the procession

around the building twice and then finally in through the front doors of the church.

Father Angelli was a good man and a good priest. Although he was not fluent in Spanish

himself, he often would recite and repeat critical parts of the Mass service in the native

tongue of many of the Hispanics that now made up the parish. Ernesto believed that all

immigrants like him, should learn the language of the land; but also knew how important

it was to hear the service in a familiar way. Eventually, the church would send someone

who could speak Spanish fluently when Father Angelli moved on to his next calling.

The service itself was short and somber where the older children read the narrative of

Christs crucifixion. As he watched the children, he thought it would be just a few years

until little Enricohis Rickywould be old enough to stand and do these readings.

But that would mean that, at minimum, Andre and Ricky would have to start attending

church. Andre had stopped attending church regularly after he went to state college.

The last time that Ernesto and Andre had been to church together was the day of Millies

funeral service three years ago.


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After Millies funeral, several of Ernestos neighbors and church parishioners had

arranged a refraccin for all who attended. Andre came with Miriam. They were

together at that timeand Enrico who was just about to turn two years old. But this was

the last time that Andre came close to any regular church service. Ernesto though it might

be unfair to think this way, but couldnt help believe that Andres life would be better if

he went to church regularly.

He would talk with Andre today after dinner to discuss having Ricky attend church

school.

Ernesto walked over to Sofias to pick up the brisket. He generally ordered the cut of

beef in the middle of the week. This signaled to Sofia and her sister, Antonia, who

worked the butcher counter, that Andre and Ricky were coming for Sunday dinner.

They always asked about them and this prompted Ernesto to bring out his one picture of

Andre, Miriam and Enrico seated together in a pose done at the local Sears photography

studio. He had received school photos of Ricky for the past year, but this one was his

favorite and showed it to everyone who asked about his family.

I let it age a little bit for you this morning, declared Antonia as she handed him the

brown paper bundle. She knew that was how Millie had asked her many times to prepare

the brisket for Sunday dinner by letting it warm to room temperature for several hours


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before seasoning and roasting. Ernesto was grateful that the woman honored his Millie in

this way.

He picked up a bag each of fresh onions and potatoes and paid for his items. It was 9:30

am now and he had plenty of time to get home to prepare the meal in time for Andres

arrival around 2:00 pm.

The walk home took just a few moments. As soon as he walked in he put the brisket,

onions and potatoes on to the counter by the stove. He went to the closet to hang up his

coat and pulled off a long, thick cotton apron hanging off the back of the door.

He slipped the neck cowl over his head and tied the apron around him. As he pulled

down the cutting board and started chopping the onions, his thoughts, naturally, turned to

Millie.

It was Millie who had always prepared their Sunday dinners, especially when Andre was

younger. Sometimes she would have the main course roasting in the oven slowly as they

went off to church. By planning it this way, she would have the meal pulled together

shortly after they returned. In this way she showed her kindness, love and devotion to her

family. After her passing, Ernesto had accepted invitations to neighbors homes for


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Sunday dinner for several months. And although he was gracious for their hospitality, he

felt lost on these afternoons.

And Andre wasnt coming around much then, eitherErnesto suspected that this was the

time that he and Miriam were having trouble.

To encourage them to come by on Sundays, Ernesto started cooking dinner for the

family. Some of his early efforts were not so good. Burnt meat, soggy potatoes,

undercook string beansbut eventually he got the hang of it. Miriam had come a couple

of Sundays with Andre and Ricky. She always offered to help clean up with the dishes

and putting everything away. But it was shortly after that time that Andre and Ricky

started coming by themselves, without Miriam. Andre explained one Sunday, about a

year ago, that he was moving out of the apartment. He and Miriam would be sharing

custody of Ernestos grandson. Like Ricky, he supposed, Ernesto didnt understand. It

was bad enough that they werent married, but now they would be two separate homes.

And this was sadbecause he liked Miriam, for she reminded him a little bit of Millie.

Now Andre saw Ricky every other weekend. It was on these weekends that Ernesto

would cook Sunday dinner for them.

They arrived on time at 2:00 pm with Ricky jumping into the arms of his PopPop for a

big hug.


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Im just finishing the potatoes now. Why dont you and el chico wait in the living room.

His box of blocks are underneath the coffee table.

Sure I cant help with anything, Pops?, asked Andre.

Not right nowyou can make up some lemonade once I put the dishes out, replied

Ernesto. Lemonade was Rickys favorite drink so he always had the powdered mix

available for their visits. Ernesto thought one only drank lemonade in the summertime,

but el chico liked it anytime.

The muchachos moved to the living room as Ernesto poured out the boiled potatoes into a

strainer and let them cool off for a few moments while he carefully sliced the brisket for

serving.

As he brought the platters of food to the table, he could hear Andre listening to the TV in

the living room. He could also here Enrico snapping together the plastic blocks he kept in

a box under the coffee table. He loved these blocks and always creating something new

from them spawned by his boyish imagination. Ricky often attempted to sneak these to

the table for dinner, but both Andre and PopPop discouraged this distraction. It was time

to eatas a family. Ernesto stepped into the living room to announce that dinner was

ready.


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The family of two men and young boy took their regular seats at the wood table Ernesto

at the head and Andre to his right with Ricky across from his father. Ernesto started by

clearing his throat and putting his hands together as an example for Enrico. Enrico folded

his hands and looked down.

Te Agradecemos Seor, tus Santas Enseanzas.

- Te Agradecemos Seor, por los alimentos que hemos recibido,

- Bendice Seor, estos alimentos y bendice las manos que los

preparan.

Te lo pedimos Seor, por el Santo nombre de tu Hijo

En nombre del Padre, del Hijo y del Espritu Santo, Amen.

And during this last line of the blessing, both Ernesto and Andre would demonstrate to

Enrico how to make the sign of the cross by associating the Trinity with the body

motions:

Padre - (forehead)

Hijo (heart)


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Espiritu (left shoulder)

Santo (right shoulder)

Four out of five times Ricky got it right, but there was always the amusing moment

when he did not and his PopPop would laugh and encourage him to start eating.

The Rezos family ate their meal and chatted a little about the upcoming baseball season

(all were Yankee fans but Ricky explained he liked the Baltimore Oreos too on the

mistaken belief they were named after his favorite cookie). Andres also talked about his

work over in Oakton as a speech pathologist. The school district had made some

cutbacks and released the other district speech pathologist teacher. He was now covering

three elementary schools as well as the middle school. On most weekday evenings he

was updating student reports because his free period time during the day was taken up by

driving to each school site. Ernesto had heard about the cuts in Oakton and knew that his

own school district had made cuts as well, but it had not affected any of the custodial

staff in Oceanhurst.

Andre finished his meal first and cleared his place. This was part of the routine. He

started to make a fresh pot of coffee. They would drink the coffee and talk a little more

at the table before settling in the living room watching whatever sporting event was on


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that day. This wasnt much different from when Millie was around just several years

before.

Ernesto finished his meal next and looked over at Enrico eating his meal. Enrico looked

up and asked, Can we play with el cofre?

Only if you finish your brisket, Enrico-el-Chico (another of his nicknames for his

grandson), Ernesto promised. Do you need me to cut it up some more?

No, PopPopIll be done in a minute.

Ernesto brought his empty plate and glass over to the sink. Andre passed behind him

with the coffee pot in one hand and the sugar and milk containers clutched in his other to

bring to the table.

He followed him out to the dining room and looked over at the china cabinet where

Millie had kept el cofre on display for the years they had lived in this apartment. He was

momentarily upset not to find it in the usual place; but was amused when he looked over

at Ricky to see that he had already taken it to his seat and had opened the lid to the

small wooden box.


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Ernesto sat down at his seat next to Ricky while Andre poured their coffee. Andre held

up the sugar spoon to silently question his father for how many sugars and in silent reply,

Ernesto lifted two fingers. Both knew the answer, but it was just another of those rituals

between father and son.

Ricky had recently taken an interest in the coins inside the box. He had seen them

many times, but was starting to learn how to read English and did not understand the

words stamped on to the coins. He asked his PopPop to explain them to him. At first,

Ernesto felt a little reluctant to take the coins out. They were not a toy, but a very special

gift from he and Millies wedding day.

But he thought better of it when he realized that Millie would have sat down with

Ricky to explain about the 13 coins and what they meant. So the last several visits,

Ernesto explained the words that were embossed en espanolon each coin.

Enrico had already laid out the coins in front of him as two rows of six coins with a final

coin centered underneath them on the table in front of him. Ernest shifted his seat over

next to Ricky and adjusted his glasses to read the words on the coins.

Are you ready?

Yes, PopPop.


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As Ernesto pointed to each coin, he spoke the word on the coin and had Enrico repeat it.

Then he would say its meaning in English:

Amor Love

Confianza Trust

Respecto Respect

Comisin Commitment

Alegra Joy

Armona Harmony

Felicidad Happiness

Sabidura Wisdom

Integridad Wholeness

Consolida Nurturing

Cuidar Caring

Cooperacin Cooperation

And then,finally;

Paz Peace.


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During the previous times when they had done this, Ricky had asked what the meaning

of several of the English words to gain better understanding, such as Respect (to treat

others how you would like them to treat you) or Wholeness (the sense of feeling no loss

and fully complete).

But today he thought a moment and declared, I think I like this last one the best.

Ernesto and Andre looked down at where Enrico was pointing. It was the coin withEl

Paloma Blanca stamped on it just over the word Paz.

I think that is also my favorite, too, mi chico., said Ernesto softly.

Ive heard mom say that Nana Millie is at peace. Is she at peace?, Enrico asked

earnestly. Ernesto paused for a momentsomewhat unprepared for the question. He

looked down at Enrico over his glasses and replied simply, Yes, she is at peace. But you

dont have to be up in heaven with God to be at peace..

I want to have peace, toobut I am glad I dont have to go to heaven to get it., Ricky

responded.

At this, both Andre and Ernesto laughed and soon, Ricky was giggling as well (but

possibly not knowing why).


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When the laughter had subsided, Andre asked Enrico to go into the living room and play

with his blocks. He rushed out of the dining room nearly tipping over one of the dining

room chairs in the process. Both Andre and his father stood halfway up to catch the chair

before it tipped back in the opposite direction to land again back on all four legs.

As they settled back into their chairs, Andre took a sip of his coffee and said, Hey

PopsI wanted to talk to you about some stuff.

Ernesto looked over the top of his glasses and said, Stuff? What do you want to talk

about?.

Wellfirst off.I am sorry that I am not able to get over here in the middle of the week

lately. I used to have my evenings free to stop by, but now that I am the only speech

pathologist in the district, most of my nights are spent writing reports.

Ernesto thought a second and offered, Its not a problem, Andre. I understand youre a

busy man with responsibilities. When you were Rickys age, I had just started at the

school and took a night job at the bottling company to help make sure we had enough to

put clothes on our backs and food on the table. This is not something you have to

apologize for to me.


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Popsokaywell, thanks for saying that, but I guess my real concern is that youre all

alone here. And you dont get out at all to see your friends or some of our other family.

I see my friends all the timewhen I am out walking. And Veras family is now in

Boston. A little difficult to just drop in for a social visit..

I dont know, Pops. Maybe you do see your friends...but then again, I dont think you

see much of anybody except us since Mom passed away.

Ernesto did not know what to sayso he asked, What are you saying?.

Andre took another sip of coffee. I think that you miss Mom a lot more than you realize.

And you seem to be a lot more reclusive and unwilling to be with people since she left

us

Andre let that statement hang out there for a few seconds while he finished his coffee in

one big gulp. He set his cup down and looked back into his fathers eyes.

His father looked a little angry. I am fine., Ernesto said tersely.


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Popsyou certainly have me and Ricky, but we are only here a couple weekends a

month. I think you should get out more and be with people. Maybe even meet some new

people.

Suddenly, Ernesto got it. You mean, meet some other women, right?. Andre looked

back at his father and leaned forward and said in a soft voice, It wouldnt hurt you to

have some companionship, Pops. Everybody needs somebody.

So I should go shopping for wife? Is this what you are saying, Ernesto voiced in a

higher pitch as he spoke. Let me tell you somethingI was marred to one

womanyour motherand she is the only woman I will be married to for all time. Even

though she is gone, she is still my wife.

Pops, Andre began, but didnt know what to say next.

No one will ever take the place of your mother. No one., Ernesto continued. Have

you no respect for your mother?.

POPS!! Of course I have respect for mombut she would be very sad to see you like

thisyou work, you sleep and outside of seeing Ricky and I a couple of times a month,

you spend time with no one else..


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Ernesto silently looked out the window and did not respond. Andre did not continue with

his concern. Both men sat quietly for several minutes; not speaking a word with each

deep in their own thoughts.

Finally, Ernesto spoke, I dont need a lot of friends like you do. I am doing just fine.

YesI miss your mother very much. She was much better at having us in spend time

with our family and our friends here. But I am just fine. I dont need much to be happy.

Are you happy, Pops?, Andre probed.

Happy? Am I happy? What about this, Andre.are YOU happy?

What?

I asked you if YOU were happy. Look at youyou are unmarried, yet have a child.

You are living in two separate homes, paying child support, I supposeor at least you

had better be paying for child support. You know, despite your troubles, I dont go

prying into your life and making advice on how to make it better. Youre a man in this

world and you should be making your way in itso I dont know why MY happiness is

any concern of yoursyou have enough on your own plate.


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Andre had a look on his face that was a cross between anger and shame. He sat looking

back at his father for a moment before he replied, Whatever is going on in my life,

doesnt take away my concern that you are becoming a very lonely man.

Well, you are well on your way to being like your father, then, Ernesto shot back.

Immediately, he felt bad for saying that to Andre. It was mean. In his heart, he knew

Andre meant well, but he would be fine.

Andre recovered his composure and said quietly, Youre right, Popsmy life is not

perfect. Miriam and I have had our troubles and shes not ready to get married.

Mi hijo, maybe she is not ready to get married because she does not trust you. I did not

date many women like you did, but I did know your mother pretty well. And she would

not have married me if she did not trust that I would be there for our marriage. Have you

really worked to earn her trust?, Ernesto asked firmly.

Now it was Andres turn to look out the window while he collected his thoughts. Ernesto

knew that he had hit a nerve and sipped his coffee while Andre stared outside.

I dont know how to fix this., Andre said dejectedly.

Is it her? Is there something wrong with her?, Ernest asked.


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Its both of us., Andre answered.

Really? Is she a drunk?, inquired Ernesto.

No., Andre exclaimed.

Is she reckless with the money?, Ernest pressed.

Noshes very good about money., Andre replied.

Does she flirt with the othermuchachos? Has she ever cheated on you?, Ernesto

continued.

NO!, Andre responded in surprise at his fathers brashness.

Does she still love you?, Ernest asked.

Andre paused for a moment and said, Maybe..

Then here is your truth, Andreit is not the both of you. Its you..


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Andres eyes got a little wide as if he had been hit in the gut during a fight.

He couldnt speak. Andre was absorbing all that he had heard.

Ernesto sat in silence with him for a few moments and then offered, I am lonely,

sometimes, Andre. But I have no desire to seek some distraction to keep me thinking

about your mother. She was too special to me and trying to find something or someone

to replace that would disrespect her memory.

Ernesto could see Andres eyes were filled with water and could feel the same welling up

inside of him.

Ernesto continued, I miss her very much, Andre. I miss her. I miss Alvino and his

father, I miss my uncles and because he was our very good friend, I miss young Manolo,

too.

And Ernesto recalled that Sunday before Manolos death nearly twelve years ago

Andre and Manolo had known each other since they were five years old and had started

together on the same community soccer team. Both were forwards and had developed an


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uncanny rhythm for passing the ball back and forth between the two of them and getting

the bowl down the field for a successful goal.

Manolo Tavares father had been gone since the time he was two years old and his

mother worked at the dry cleaners over on 5th

Avenue. Very often she would ask the

Rezos to watch Manolo while she picked up a later shift to make a little extra money.

At times, it was if Manolo was Andres brother. He was there for dinner almost every

night and most weekends. He and Millie did not mindbetter that he be in the Rezos

home rather than looking for diversions on the neighborhood streets.

Manolo had a slighter frame than Andre. By the time they had reached Middle School,

Andre stood about a head taller than Manolos 50 frame. Manolo had dark curly hair

that he let grow out, but had a very large, flat nose, which at times, became the brunt of

cruel comments from the other children. At first he was very sensitive about his nose, but

Andre and some of his other soccer teammates encouraged him to not only to handle it,

but respond by hurling insults back to his tormenters. The kids called it hacking on

each other.

When he was fourteen, he stopped playing recreation league soccer and in his freshman

year of high school, injured his knee during team tryouts and lost any opportunity to play

until he fully recovered.


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It was at this time, after he got off of the leg crutches, that Manolo had been jumped by

some older boys over on Tremont Avenue. Since he never reported the incident to the

police, Ernesto suspected that this may have been gang-related.

The following Sunday, Manolo came over to the Rezos home for dinner. Andre and

Manolo had drifted apart since his injury. Much of Andres time was taken up with

school and practice.and Manolo seemed to be making new friends out on the street

near his home. His mother had expressed concern after the fight and arranged for

Manolo to come have dinner and spend some time with the Rezos family.

Millie had served chicken legs seasoned with asofrito over rice. During the meal,

Ernesto looked over at Manolos bruised face and could see that he was still stiff from his

injuries by the way he walked into the house earlier that afternoon.

When the meal was done, everyone cleared their places and helped Millie rinse the

dishes. She shooed the men out of the kitchen and said she would have coffee and

dessert out in about a half-hour. She had made apple-tarts which were a favorite of

Manolos.

Ernesto and the boys settled around the dining room table. He looked over at the injuries

on Manolos face once more before he asked directly, What happened to you, chico?.


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I was in a fight., Manolo said evasively.

I can see that, Manolo. Why were you in a fight? What were you fighting about?

Those boy just dont like me.

ManoloI am not a stupid man. Did you do anything wrong to these boys?

Nothey just dont like me and my friends.

Ernesto pressedAnd why dont they like you and your friends, Manolo?

They just dont like us.

Again, ManoloI am not a stupid man. These boys didnt attack you for no reason. I

want you to be honest with me. Are you in a gang Manolo?

Manolo froze and looked back at Ernesto before he responded.

Were not going to let them take over our street,Papi!, Manolo exploded.


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Ernesto waited a second and then nodded his head.

Manolo. Look at me. Look at meI want you to listen to what I have to say.

Manolo calmed down a bit and looked over at Ernesto through his bruised and swollen

eyes.

ManoloI want you to stop associating with all these boys. Immediately. These boys

are not your friends.

Manolo insolently looked away as if Ernesto did not know what he was talking about.

Manolo. I am serious. These boys are not your friends and I want you to stay away

from them.

They are my only friends., Manolo retorted.

Manolothat is not true. Andre is your friend and he is not involved with these

boysor at least he better not be., Ernesto said with slightly menacing look towards his

son.

Andre lifted and shook his hands indicating that he had nothing to do with this gang.


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These boys will do nothing but lead you to trouble and you will likely end up in jail

from the things that they do. They are bullies and thieves.

They are my friends,Papithey have stood up for me against those other boys.

Dont be stupid, Manolo. Do you even know why you fight with these boys? Just

because they make you think they are different?

Ernesto stared intently at Manolo for a moment. What he was about to say needed to

make a strong impression on this boy.

Manolo.do you know why I am here in America? Do you?

Manolo fidgeted in his seat trying to guess where this conversation was going. He did not

want to give a wrong answer, but didnt understand that the question was a lead in for

what Ernesto wanted him to understand.

You wanted a better life, right,Papi?, Manolo offered.

Yes, Manolocertainly a better life. But better than what?


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Manolo started to mumble some words about money, but Ernesto stopped him.

Manolo.it doesnt need your answer. I will tell it to you.

Senora Rezos and I are from El Salvador. We came from good families and although

we did not have much money, we had good lives and enough to keep a roof over our

heads and food on the table. After we married, we had hoped to spend the rest of days in

El Salvador.

But the world is broken in many places, chicoand El Salvador became one of those

broken places.

When people feel powerless, they will band together like wild jackals or dogs. That is

what happened in my country. People got together to violently gain power by stealing

property, repressing peoples ability to make a good living, kidnapping leaders and

killing them, killing good peopleeven the religious people trying to help everyone.

They killed Millies cousin Alvino and his father, the mayor of our town. Alvino was

the best man at my wedding. They killed nuns, they killed priests, they killed soldiers

and they killed children.


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So many people died in violence as everyone rushed to seek power. And this is the sad

part, Manolothey all thought they were right. And that any violent action they took

was justified because the other side was so evil. In that place, there were only degrees of

evil nothing else. No side was better than the other

That is why we left El Salvador. We were about to start a family and the devils

playground was no place to raise a child.

Do you understand what I am saying, Manolo? Do you understand that these boysthe

ones you are with and the ones you fight are nothing more than wild jackals?

Papithis is America; not El Salvador. It is different here. I need these friends to

survive.

Ernesto burst like a breached dam; MANOLO! Evil knows no boundaries! Listen to

me!

For the sake of your mother, Manoloplease promise me that you will stop hanging

around with these boys.

This last statement seemed to make an impact on Manolohe slumped a bit in his chair

resignedly. Papiits not that easy to leave a gang..


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Dont make excuses, chico. Just stop showing up where they are hanging out. Come

directly from school to our house and I will personally drive you back to your home to

your mother.

After a silent beat they heard:

After Ive fed you good meal, mi hijo!, Millies voice called out from the kitchen.

This broke the tension in the room as everyone realized that Mrs. Rezos had heard the

entire conversation from the kitchen. The boys broke into smiles as Ernesto chuckled to

himself.

You listen to that, Manolo? Well even feed you as well., Ernesto noted in a lighter

tone.

I will try Senor RezosI will try., Manolo said in a soft voice.

Bueno, mi hijo. Le amamos tenemos gusto de usted somos nuestra familia.


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On the following Tuesday afternoon, Millie had received the call from Manolos mother

that he had not been home from school since Monday afternoon. She wanted to know if

he had been with Andre or at the Rezos home. Millie told her that she had not seen

Manolo since last Sunday.

When she got off the phone, she immediately called Ernesto to let him know that Manolo

was missing. Ernesto did not have a good feeling. He spoke with the principal and asked

for early leave. The principal, at that time, Mr. Antoine, asked for the reason behind the

request. Ernesto explained that Manolo was like a son and that he suspected he was

involved in gang activity and may be missing.

Mr. Antoine granted the request and suggested that Ernesto have Manolos mother

contact the police immediately.

From there, Ernesto drove over to the community practice fields where Andre had just

arrived to coach a team in the community youth league. He asked him if he had seen

Manolo. He answered that he had not seen Manolo since Sunday evening when they

drove him home.

Ernesto asked Andre to meet him at Manolos mothers house as soon as practice was

over.


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Ernesto had heard that the gangs mostly congregated at either end of Tremont Avenue,

not far from St. Ignatius, As he drove along Tremont Avenue, it appeared like a ghost

town. There was no one in sight.

This was bad. Something had happened and now all the cockroaches were running from

the light.

Later that evening, the Rezos met at the Tavares home and tried to assist the investigating

officer with all the information they knew about Manolos last known whereabouts.

Manolos mother was terribly upset and Millie offered to stay with her after the police

officer left.

She declined the offer, but all could see that she would not sleep well until her son was

found.

The answer came in a phone call to Senora Tavares at her job on the following

Thursday. She was told that a police officer would come by her home to explain what

they knew about Manolo and wanted to make sure she was available.

She immediately ran home and called Millie to explain what was happening. Millie

arrived at Senora Tavaresjust as the squad car arrived. Millie got to the door first and


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gave Manolos mother a strong hug as the officers made their way to the apartment door.

Manolo was not with them.

The officers asked if she could come with them to the county morgue to identify a body

they believed to be Manolos. Senora Tavares collapsed into Millies arms sobbing,

Porqu? Porqu?

Millie accompanied them to the county morgue where Manolo was confirmed as the

body on the coroners table. His mother was inconsolable.

The police arranged for an escort back to Oceanhurst. While they were waiting, Millie

asked to use the coroners secretarys phone to let Ernesto know what happened.

On the ride back, Senora Tavares appeared to be in shock and could barely communicate

without breaking into heart-wrenching cries of loss. Millie held her hand tight on the

way home and leaned forward from the back seat to speak with the officer. She asked

what had happened to Manolo.

The officer replied that they didnt have all the information yetit was still under

investigation. They had found Manolos body in the creek behind the tire repair store on

North Broad Street. This had been a known dumping spot for bodies in the past.


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Manolo had been stabbed 17 times and the coroner noted in his preliminary report that

there were multiple blunt trauma to the head and torso consistent with kicking. This also

indicated that there were multiple assailants.

Millie gasped at this news. She then leaned back and put her arm around this

inconsolable woman. She could not imagine how she would be if she ever lost Andre in

this way

The next several days flew by for the Rezos. Millie spent nearly all her time contacting

members of the Tavares family and doing her best to console Manolos mother.

Although their family was not active in a local church, Ernesto was able to have St.

Ignatius conduct a burial mass for Manolos family. Even Andre and his team mates were

able to not only find a Brazilian flag of Manolos birth land, but also a flag of the

Botafogo soccer club of Rio de Janeiro; his favorite team.

The flags were arranged over his casket as a mourning pall which was brought into the

church by his former soccer teammates. And although Ernesto served as the crucifer for

the Mass, it provided little comfort to his conscience.

Like many in the church that day, they all felt as if they could have done something for

Manolo to have prevented his death.


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I miss Manolo, too, Pops.

None of them had to die, but die they did. And I still dont know why they have been

taken from usI am sick of deathespecially death by violence. As you know, they

never found anyone guilty of his murder.

I had read in the newspaper that the only physical evidence they obtained was a

matching sneaker print from a pair sneakers found dangling from the electrical wires on

Tremont Avenue. A size 10 that they couldnt match to anyone person.

I had read that as well., Ernesto affirmed.

They sat in wistful silence of Manolos memory as the setting sunlight started to cast long

shadows outside against the trees in Ernestos front yard.

Herego on in the living room and check in on Ricky. Try to find something good to

watch on ESPN or Telemundo. Ill straighten up in here and join you in a few minutes.

Ok, Popssure I cant help?, Andre asked.

Noits just a few things. I will be in there shortly.


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Ernesto took the empty coffee cups and rinsed them quickly under hot water in the sink.

He would leave them there until the boys left and wash them at that time. He thought it

rude to do housework while you had guests.

As he re-entered the dining room, he saw the coins laid out on the table where Ricky

had arranged them. Ernesto sat down and looked at each coin as he put them back into

the wooden case.

As he did so, so many memories of his wedding day to Millie went through his mind.

He had met Millie while working as a repairman for the looms at the textile mill where

they both were employed. It did not pay very well, but he had learned a lot as a

machinist apprentice from a semi-retired uncle of the owner of the mill who took a liking

to him. He learned to do make anything work in the mill with limited materials since

machine parts were very expensive and hard to find.

One day, while attempting to repair one of the older looms, he discovered that the batten

adjustment had lost a cotter pin. He had none in his toolbox and doubted if he could find

one nearby.


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As he looked down from the loom, he spotted a pretty, young chica with beautiful long-

flowing, curly hair. She had a lovely well-shaped face with a small, straight nose set

between two almond-size brown eyes.

He noted that her long flowing hair had been bundled up in the back to keep it from

catching on machine fixtures. She must have felt him staring at her since she suddenly

looked up in his direction.

Not quite sure what to do, he crawled to the top edge of the loom and motioned for Millie

to come over. She looked around and pointed at herself as to make sure it was she he was

looking to come over by the loom.

He grinned and nodded his head vigorously. She stepped over two long boxes of wool

thread and looked up at Ernesto trying to understand what he wanted. Ernesto just smiled

and as she got close enough, he reached down and pulled a hair pin from the side of her

head.

Millie looked surprised as he swung back around the top of the loom again and pushed

the hair pin through the connecting post of the batten. Once through, he took his needle-

nose pliers and flaired the loop of the hair pin and bent the ends back against themselves.


43/76



He then jumped down and hit the power button on the loom to see if it would now work

properly. With the batten adjustment now set properly, the loom was now back in perfect

working order due to his ingenuity and his fortune of spotting the lovely Millie.

As he turned around to introduce himself, he could see that the young woman had walked

away and was heading back towards another loom. She looked back over her shoulder at

him and smiled. His heart melted.

Several days later he learned that many of the mill working girls were heading to the

Taverna in Santa Ana to drink and dance. He and his good friend, Alvino, would go there

as well and he would look for the dark, curly-haired girl.

When they arrived at the Taverna that evening, it was very crowded. Very little room to

stand around the bar or the dance floor. He looked everywhere for the dark, curly-haired

girl and eventually found her underneath the archway leading out to a small patio where

the musicians were playing for the crowd outside.

She was standing with several other girls from the mill. He looked around for Alvino

who had gotten lost in the crowd. He did not want to go over by himself, but Alvino was

nowhere to be found. He could not wait any longer and marched over to the archway.


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Apparently his intent was clear as he approached for the young girl gazed directly into his

eyes even though he was several meters away. His eyes remained locked in return until

he was just a pace in front of this beautiful woman.

My name is Ernesto Rezos. I am the man who took your hairpin., Ernesto announced

with a smile.

My name is Millieand you owe me a hair pin., she replied. The other girls started

giggling. One of them turned to Ernesto and said, Hello, Ernestowere here too!

Millie is not the only girl in the room!.

Ernesto blushed; Millie smiled and looked away. I have not hair pins to offer you, mi

amiga, but can I offer you a drink or a dance?

A drink OR a dance?, Millie playfully replied. Cant a girl get both?

Ernesto took her hand and led her out to the dance floor. It was lively number and Millie

flowed beautifully along the dance floor with him. Her eyes sparkled as she danced and

Ernesto felt his heart beating along to the music. As the song ended, her girlfriends from

the mill came rushing out to the dance floor and took her towards the ladies room.


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Ernesto put up his hands as if to ask where they were goingand one of the girls shouted

backShell be backif she doesnt crawl through el ventana del cuarto de bao.

He appreciated that they were joking at this pointor were they? He kept calm and

looked for Alvino again. No Alvino. So he walked back over to the archway and waited

for the girls to come out of the bathroom.

After about fifteen minutes, one of the mill girls came out and walked up to him.

He asked, Wheres Millie?.

The girl looked up at him, ignored his question and instead asked, Did you really ask her

for a drink OR a dance?

Sensing he was on dangerous ground, he answered tentativelyYes. Is she coming out

again?

At this, the girl started laughing. Only if you buy her a drink. She says your dancing is

not that good to compel her to leave the bathroom.

He looked over to where the ladies room was and saw Millie come out with the other mill

girls. She immediately looked over to the archway at him and waved. He waved back


46/76



encouraged that she was looking for him. She turned to one of the girls in her group and

whispered something to her and then walked over to him.

Can I buy you that drink,senorita?

I would love one before the night is through, but I thought we might dance again,si?

Ohwell,silets dance. But that girl over there said you didnt think I was a very

good dancer.

Millie looked to where Ernesto had pointed to the short, round-faced girl and she

laughed.

Dont listen to herI think she likes you and is maybe a little jealous. You listen to me.

Lets dance..

And they danced. They did not leave the dance floor once while the band played. They

danced until the music became slow and lilting to the rhythm of their hearts. He held her

close and as she looked up into his face, he leaned in and gave her a tender kiss on the

lips that quickly became more involved.


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As he pulled away from the long kisshe could see her lovely face and her eyes

reflecting the moonlight aboveand he could see Alvino standing right behind her with a

sour look on his face.

Ernestowhy are you kissing my cousin?, Alvino asked in mock indignation.

What??? ThisMillie is your cousin?, Ernesto asked incredulously.

Millie turned around and exclaimed, Alvino! and gave him a big hug.

While she was hugging him, Alvino continued, Millie, mi estimado primo, you should

not be kissing this Ernesto. He is a very bad mansmall dogs and babies cry in his

presence because he is a bad man. Ohand he has bad breath, too.

Millie stepped back from the hug and gave Alvino a small, light slap on the cheek.

Ernesto is not a bad man and I do not believe you. He has been a perfect gentleman the

entire evening.

Its just an act, Millie. Did I mention hes an actor? You know how actors are, right?,

Alvino said grinning.


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Thanks for the endorsement, Alvino.

And so...that is how he met his dear Millie.

In the days and weeks that followed, nearly all of Ernestos time was spent with Millie.

She had introduced him to her family and she, to his family.

It wasnt long before both families asked if there was a future wedding to be had for both

of them. Ernestos mother was pushing hard for him to start a family and make her an

abuela.

But he had been saving his money little by little and could now afford a small

engagement ring he had found in a jewelry store in San Miguel. On one late April

Sunday, one of the last dry days of spring, he took Millie strolling along the street plaza

in front of the Catedral de Santa Ana. There were always couples walking along here on

Sundays amongst the tree lined streetways. Just in front of the church wereMinuta

vendors with their pushcarts and colorful umbrellas. They often stopped here on their

strolls to purchase aMinutaMillies favorite was the one made with salt, lemon and

tamarind jelly.


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He purchased one each for he and Millie from the tanned, wrinkled man with the

shocking white hair. He always gave them a lovely smile, despite the missing four to five

teeth in his mouth. Nonetheless his smile was always endearing, which made the couple

smile in return and offer thanks.

Then they would sit on the wall underneath the trees and work to finish their frozen treats

before they melted over their fingers. Ernesto rushed to finish his he was on a mission.

But not before a chiding by Millie not to eat it too fast or he would get a headache. He

politely ignored her admonishment with a smile on his face because he knew what was to

happen next.

Ernesto took out his good handkerchief and wiped his hands clean. He then took the

small piece of cloth and folded it into a small square and placed it on the ground in front

of Millie.

Ernesto?, Millie asked in a confused tone.

He thought he might need to wipe his hands again because his hands were perspiring with

nervous sweat. Instead, he looked down at the handkerchief and rubbed his hands

together while Millie looked on quizzically bemused.


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Her expression changed, though, when he suddenly knelt down upon the small square of

cloth and took her hand.

She took a sharp intake of air and gasped slightlyand dropped herMinuta by her left

foot. Millie attempted to reach down and clean the melting ice mess, but while still

having her right hand held by Ernesto; nearly throwing him off balance.

Never mind thatI will buy you another onein a moment,por favor..

She righted herself and looked down into Ernestos eyes. He looked back with sweetness

and uncertainty.

MillieMillie, mi amora Deseo pedir su mano en la unin, si usted me tendra.

She looked down at him tenderly and cupped his face with her free hand.

SenoritaDiga por favor s., Ernesto whispered.

Millie laughed and covered her lapse into giggles with her both her hands. Ernesto did

not know what to make of this behavior until she lurched forward and threw her arms

around him and told him; S, Ernesto s cientos mil veces, s.


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Two months later, they were wed in the Catedral de Santa Ana on a Saturday morning in

late June. Ernesto remembered it being the sunniest day of his entire life. His father had

driven to San Salvador and had ordered deep gray suit for him with a white shirt. Alvino,

who was to be his Best Man, had gotten him a pink and light green stripe tie that matched

the alternating colored blocks of the columns of the sanctuary.

Both families had come in from many of the small towns and villages surrounding Santa

Ana to be part of the wedding day. He greeted each one of them at the church doors as

they came up the steps to enter the church.

All the aunts, on both sides of the family, tapped him on the cheek telling him he was a

bueno chico and that he had to take good care of Millie. The men mostly shook his hand

and smiled. He promised them all he would take care of their Millie.

When everyone was nearly in, Alvino and he took their places up near the altar and

waited for the arrival of Millie.

Although it was only a few moments, to Ernesto, it felt like hours as he stared out the

open doors waiting forsu amor.


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Momentarily, Millies younger cousin, Barto, in a smart looking cap, appeared at the

front doors of the church and signaled to the organist to play the wedding march. As the

organ swelled to life, he saw Millie and her father, Alderabad coming up the steps.

They entered the church and made their way slowly down the polished green granite

walkway to the altar. When the had reached the first pew, her father turned to her and

lifted her veil back over her head and kissed her on her forehead. Millies mother, Maria,

stood up from the pew and placed her hands on her shoulders to look admiringly at her

daughter. She then kissed her on both cheeks, and with tears forming in her eyes, sat

down again with Alderabad beside her.

Millie turned to the altar and came up the two steps to stand beside Ernesto. Ernesto was

stunned by how beautiful she lookedbut noted something slightly different about her

appearance.

He cocked his head to one side and saw that Millies hair was no longer curly, but

completely straight as the tail of a show horse. She noticed him looking and gave him a

self-conscious look to not make a scene about her newly straightened hair.

Ernesto smiled and they both turned to the priest.


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It was a standard wedding Mass with the exceptions of a homily tailored for the married

couple and their families speaking to the virtues of love in the world and that marriage

was a sign of Gods love for his people. Before they were to make their vows, though,

Alvino and Millies sister, Vera (her maid of honor) lassoed a small, gold tasseled rope

around them.

Alvino had taken the coins out ofel cofre, and had put them into small leather pouch that

could fit in his suit pocket. He handed them over to Ernesto who then turned to Millie

who slowly raised up both her hands into the shape of a small cup.

Ernesto mischievously, in a comically slow, miserly, fashion started squeezing the coins

one-by-one into Millies hands. This produced many laughs from all who watched. By

the time he had gotten to the fourth coin, Millie took the pouch from Ernestos hands and

deposited her coins into small bag and tied it shut. Millie concluded this act with a sharp

nod to the priest to carry on with the ceremony. This produced the biggest laugh of all,

including the priest who had never seen such an act.

The ceremony continued with the exchange of wedding rings and completion of the vows

kneeling at the high altar. The priest escorted them back to their places and invited the

attending guests to welcome the newly married couple.


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Communion followed for all who attended and within moments of the last sip of wine

and bread being consumed; the priest gave the final blessing. The bride and groom

processed out of the church almost as if they were floating on air.

The small wedding party lined up outside the church along one of the streetways in front

of the church, where Alvinos father, Roberto Torres, had made arrangements with a

local restaurant to cater a reception with over 30 tables tiled along the plaza.

Eventually, Ernesto and Millie were able to make their way to the head table. They sat

and Ernesto leaned into kiss his new wife to accompanying hoots, calls and clapping.

Several well-wishers came by the table to congratulate them and finally they had an

undistracted moment.

You look so beautiful today.

And you are quite handsome yourself, Ernesto.

I may be the peacock today, but you are my lovely feathers.

Millie blushedYou saw that I straightened my hair,si?


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Yesbut you are beautiful no matter how your hair is today. How did you get it

straight?

Ernestoyou would not believe it. We tried everything. We tried heating mothers

iron and working my hair between two damp towls, but this just made it very wavy.

Finally, Veras brother brought over his pants presser from his dry cleaning store in Santa

Ana. At first I wasnt sure, but Vera convinced me that it would work. And it did.

Ernesto didnt know what to say.it was a crazy story from a beautiful woman. And

there was no arguing with a beautiful woman.

Well, your hair is very straight.and it has a nice crease., he said pinching at the

crease in his pants for emphasis at his joke.

She smiled and gave him a playful slap on the cheek and kissed him.

They were now both happy, contented and at peace.

Ernesto looked again at the last coin on the dining room table with the white dove on it.

He wistfully noted that his wedding day would be the last peace they would know for

some time to come from that beautiful wedding day.


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He placed the last coin into el cofre and placed it back on the china cabinet where it

belonged.

Walking now into the living room, he could see Ricky and his father both fast asleep in

his reclining chair. The image brought a smile to his face as he remembered the times that

young Andre fell asleep with him in the same chair. Ernesto went over to the couch and

put his feet up while he scanned the channels on the TV.

Eventually, Ernesto closed his eyes as well and drifted off to sleep.

The nap did not last long. Andre was soon gently shaking him to let him know that he

was leaving. Ernesto started to move his legs off the couch.

No, Pops.its ok. Dont get up. Ricky is asleep and Ive already carried him out to

the car. I just wanted to let you know I was leaving.

Alright, Andre.will you be coming over for Easter dinner next Sunday. May be you

can come to church with me. Will you have Ricky?

I have to check with Miriam, Pops. I dont know what the plans are for next weekend.


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Do me a favor, Andre

Sure, Pops

Regardless of what is going on next weekend, please invite Miriam to church with us

and Easter dinner afterwards.

Andre looked briefly away for a few seconds and then replied, Okay, PopsI will do

that. I promise.

As he started to turn away, he stopped and said, Im sorry about before, PopsI am

very concerned that you are all alone.

Then bring me company next weekend for the holiday."

Andre managed a crooked smile and hugged his father on the couch. Okay PopsI will

try to get everyone here and on their best behavior. I love you.

I love you, too, Andre. Get home safe and I will see you early next Sunday.


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Ernesto sat back down on the couch and after flipping through a couple of TV channels,

decided that there was not much worth watching for a Sunday evening.

He got up and shifted over to his recliner and put the leg lift up. He had Saturdays

newspaper still tucked into the side cushion of the chair and pulled it out to read. After

checking several of the pre-season baseball scores, he became bored and let the paper rest

in his lap.

His thoughts returned to Millie. Andre was righthe was very alone without her now.

They had come to the United States just over 30 years ago. Just after the Los

ApurosThe Troubles as he liked to call them.

After their wedding, they had settled in with Ernestos parents and did their best to make

do in the small house which had been divided into two apartments. Their plan was to

wait for the elderly Moreno couple to move out of the upstairs apartment and attempt to

get the lease from the landlord for Ernesto and Millie. The Morenos were in pretty good

health for being in their seventies and the newlywed couple downstairs knew that it may

take a while before they could have a place of their own.

Many changes were going on in the country, too. Although his family had an apartment

at the edge of the Santa Ana city limits, there were a great number of people living in

squalor just beyond the city streets. Housing in El Salvador had always been problematic


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because of the numerous earthquakes. Even in the cities, more than half of all the

dwellings had earthen floors and adobe walls. A good number had straw roofs.

Only the wealthy could build homes strong enough to withstand the major earth tremors

that occurred.

The other problem was that much of the lands just outside the cities were concentrated in

the hands of a few families involved in, originally, the indigo trade, but most recently in

coffee crop cultivation.

They owned the land and would build minimally adequate homes for workers and their

families. But these were often heavily damaged during hurricanes and the occasional

earthquakes. The peasant workers landlords rarely made repairs.

In the last several years, some of the church worker missionaries who cared for the poor

started organizing the campesinos to pressure their employers and landlords for better

wages and living conditions. Some of them had even talked with a number of the loom

workers who were at Roberto Torres textile mill.

Senor Torres, who was now family to Ernesto, was a fair man. He paid people a days

wage for a days work. An even trade, in Ernestos opinion. Some of the workers had

grouped together and had approached Roberto to raise their wages. He had told them that


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he could raise their wages, but he would have to let several of them go until the mill

received more business. Most of the workers understood that Senor Torres could not

operate the business at a loss, but a couple were firm in the opinion that he was just being

cheap and seeking to become wealthy at their expense.

In September of that year, members of the National Army, led by a Colonel Cristiani,

came and visited Senor Torres. Roberto had told Ernesto afterwards that there were

going to be big changes coming and that the soldiers expected his cooperation while they

took care of theperturbadores of peasants, church workers and students. He could see

the worry and dread etched in Robertos brow. He could certainly sympathize with the

plight of the poor, but at the end of the day, he was a businessman who wanted no

interference from theperturbadores or the soldiers.

Several weeks later came the news that the National Army had seized control of the

government amidst allegations of a fraudulent election. And within weeks of that, this

rulingjunta had dissolved into bickering and the return of politicians that no one trusted.

There were reports of soldiers being ambushed and killed. Then reports of soldiers

seizing campesino leaderssome found dead days latersome who simply disappeared

as if they had never existed.

Shortly after the new year, one of the workers, whom Ernesto had mockingly nicknamed

El Enajado (the Angry One), who had repeatedly approached Senor Torres for


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improved wages for all the workers, stopped coming to work. No one knew where he

had gone. Like many others, he had disappeared.

Two days later is whenLos Apuros became personal for Ernesto and Millie.

He had come in early to work to setup for the day, but as he arrived, he only found chaos.

No other workers had arrived but the mill doors were open. When he walked inside, he

found many of the machines had been broken apart and nearly all of the finished cloth

had been taken from the finishing racks. Senor Torres was nowhere to be found.

Alvino usually came in after him. As he waited for Alvino to understand what happened,

he started to right several of the tipped over looms. This will take a lot of time fix,

Ernesto thought to himself.

A half-hour had gone by and Alvino nor his father had come into the mill. Neither had

any of the other workers. Ernesto kept workinguntil nearly an hour later when he saw

Millie at the door of the mill.

Because of the way the sun shone in from outside, he could only recognize her silhouette,

but not the details of her face. As he approached her, he exclaimed, Can you believe

this mess? Does anyone.


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He stopped just a pace away as he saw the look on her tear-stained face.

Ernestocome with me. You have to leave here immediately.

But we have to fix thisI am waiting forSenor Torres and Alvinothere is much to

do.

Millies chest started heaving as she attempted to control her sobbing and get out the

words that Ernesto needed to hear:

Tio Roberto and Alvino were murdered here last night by theperturbadores. And if we

dont want to join them , we must leave now.

Ernesto was stunned. He wanted to stay and fix thishe wanted answers to questions.

He did not fully absorb what Millie had told him of his friend and of his family. She

grabbed his shirt sleeve and started pulling him out the mill door.

Bewildered, he looked around at the quiet street and could sense the fear behind the

windows and doors of this neighborhood. He put his arm around Millies shoulders and

walked fast towards their own neighborhood several blocks away. He needed to

understand what happened and how it had all gone horribly wrong.


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Once back at the apartment, Ernesto could see as he walked into the apartment that his

parents already knew what had happened. His mother fretted quietly over some

homemadepupusa for the midday supper while his father sat silent and sullen at the

kitchen table.

Ernesto sat down and Millie took the chair next to him and held her face covered by her

hands,

WHAT HAPPENED?, Ernesto bursted.

Oh Ernesto,, Millie beganthis is all so sudden and all at once.. She took a moment

to wipe her tears away and Ernesto reached out for her hand.

Last night after we left the mill, a number ofcampesinos came with nearly a dozen

masked men with guns. Patriza was working on stacking the finishing racks and saw

them arrive in a truck. Her mother and she came here this morning after you left and told

us all that she saw.

The men demanded to see Tio Roberto. She does not know what they discussed with

him, but soon Roberto was shoving the men and telling them to get out. One of the men


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with the guns hit him in the back of the head and they started dragging him out across the

mill floor to the door,

Patriza, who was hiding behind the finishing racks, saw Alvino come in from the alley

door to see his father being dragged away. Without a word, he picked up one of the

batten rods and charged the men. The men did not know what to do and dragged Roberto

to the truck in the street. In that moment, Alvino had already knocked two of the men

down by beating them in the head. Alvino reached for his fathers legs as the gunmen

lifted him into the back of the truck. Through the mill window Patriza saw one of the

gunmen in the truck pull out a pistol and shoot Alvino in the head.

The truck then pulled away as the remaining campesinos gave a shout of triumph and

several of them started kicking and stomping on Alvinos lifeless body. One of the men

came into the mill with the batten rod and started smashing away at the equipment. The

other men followed in and followed his example. In the confusion, Patriza slipped out

the alley door and ran to her apartment..

Ernestos mother stopped fussing with thepupusas and shut off the propane stove. She

was crying and could not look at her family. His father looked out the back door and said

nothing.


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Ernesto sat in stunned silence. Roberto gone, Alvino dead and the mill damagedlives

and lifes work gone in moments.

Anger started to rise in Ernestos heart.

Bastardos., Ernesto muttered. I am going to find the good men of this town and we

are going to find these bad men and kill them.

He got up from his chair and headed to the door. Simultaneously and nearly in unison

Millie, his father and mother called out, ERNESTO!.

His father got to him first and grabbed his arm, he said firmly, in only a way a father can

say to his son, Ahora sintese.

Ernesto sat.

Ernestowe have to leave here. Santa Ana has become too dangerous for our

families.

Ernestos head buzzed with thoughts. But what about the mill? We need to fix the mill

and get back to work, no? We cant let these bastardos intimidate us into fear.


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Millie and Ernestos mother stared back in disbelief. His father had a look of admiration,

but his face was lined with deep concern.

Mi hijothink this through. There is no more mill and no place to go back to anymore.

You have been privileged to work in Senor Torres fortunes, but he and they are no

more.

Ernesto lowered his head and torso down to his knees with his head in his hands. He still

wanted to kill these menthese thieves of life. But his family was righthe had to think

this through. What would they do next?

Millie approached him and knelt next to him. With both arms, she gently pushed him

upright and looked into his face.

Vera, my sister and her husband, Benito moved to the United States right after our

wedding. They have been staying with Benitos brother in New Jerseynot far from

New York City. I think we should go there until things get better.

America? Really? I dont know, Ernesto stammered.

Ernesto, I think this would be the best thinguntil it is not so dangerous here.


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But maybe the Army can stop the violence being done to us? Maybe we would leave for

nothing.

Ernesto! The National Army is a big part of the violence being done to us. We are not

safe here.

Millie, Ernesto began before he was interrupted by his wife.

Ernestoestoy embarazado.

Ernesto had the unusual sensation as if he had been punched in the stomach but, with

irony, his heart filling with joy.

He took his wifes hand from his shoulders and held them tightly.

Then Milagros Emelia Rezosthen I shall go to the United States with you to be sure

that our child will be safe.

Sitting in his recliner, Ernesto recalled these memories as if they had just happened

yesterday.


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He closed his eyes and remembered how over the next few days, they had put together

their plan. None of it easy and none of it they could depend on. Everyone said they had a

friend of a friend who could help them get to America, but they knew, for the most part it

depended on them.

Ernesto and his father had planned the route. His parents decided to stay behind confident

that no one would bother them. Ernesto promised that he would send for them as soon as

he could settle he and Millie in America. There were long hugs and farewells as they

boarded the bus north to Melapan.

This was the last that Ernesto saw his parents.

When they had arrived in Melapan, they then transferred to another bus heading to

Chilpaqua in Guatemala. The border guards would gave them a family visit visa good for

seven days. This allowed them to head north to Guatemala City. From there they took

the two-day train trip all the way to Veracruz in Mexico.

They were traveling the route that Benitos brother had taken several years earlier. Once

they were in Veracruz, they were to go to the marina and find Senor Culpepper. Senor

Culpepperwas a wealthy sport fisherman who had a large yacht. Benito let them know

that Senor Culpepperoften hired servants in Veracruz to accompany him back to his

home port in Corpus Christi, Texas.


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And for most of their savings, Senor Culpepperdid as Benito had promised and hired

Ernesto and Millie for the voyage across the western Gulf of Mexico.

When they had docked several days later in Corpus Christi, the put on the servants

uniforms and casually assisted Senor Culpepper with his baggage as he d

Documents

The Prophet of Seventh Avenue - Submission Manuscript