Enrique was appalled when he saw his cousin’s pack. He walked around it, whistling.
“What do you have in here, Hectór? Furniture?”
The boy shrugged, or tried to against the weight of the straps.
“You know we’re walking, right?”
“Not all the way, Rico.”
“The boat takes us only to Salina Cruz. After that, the coyote will see about finding us a truck. No guarantees, though.”
Hectór looked close to tears.
“What’s so important you need to bring it to El Norte, cousin?”
The boy sniffed. “The photographs from the fireplace. I don’t want to forget our family.”
“We won’t.”
Good choice. If they get robbed nobody will take the photos
I so understand him… Hard enough walking away; at least a keepsake or two!
Dear Josh,
So there are chickens in the pack? A lot of emotion packed into 100 words. Well done
Shalom,
Rochelle
Pollos is the common term for those wishing to emigrate to El Norte. The coyotes are the unsavory operators who take them there . Coyotes y pollos
Oh, and thanks for reading :-)
Ahhh Bach! I have learned something hoy dia. Gracias.
Oh that tugged at the heart!
Good story, tugged at the heart strings. My brain couldn’t make the leap between the title and the story though – Did they lose their chickens? Are they being chickens by leaving?
A good story highlighting an important aspect of the plight of refugees; the difficulty of retaining your own culture. Try as you might, you will meet so many obstacles that the memories will fade or be discarded. Hector will soon learn this bitter truth. Powerful writing, Josh.
You’ve managed to convery such heartbreak in so few words, the plight of the displaced everywhere. Taking a bit of home with you is the best thing. Great writing Josh
I don’t blame him, but no way can he take all those pics. I liked the topical take on this one. This subject had been in my mind lately.
I do think you need mementos.. at least a few… hope he can bring a little bit.
There can be no better keepake. Photos keep memories alive. A poignant piece indeed.
Sad but containing hope – a tough combination to achieve. Well done Josh.
A poignant tale indeed, but I don’t understand why the photos have made such a heavy bulky pack. Did he leave the pictures in their frames?
heart tug-
and if he does have to drop the heavy pack on the journey – at least he tried
I like how fleshed out and ‘real’ these characters are… I sympathise with their plight and want to know more about them, even though I’ve only had a hundred words of them. Nicely written!
Such a heartwarming tale. Good job