It started when Ofie announced that she was not moving to México. This came up when you were caught and Papá was preparing us for the eventuality that we might be deported.
Papá seemed to be waking up from a long dream that started eight years ago when he and Mamá came to this country. His shoulder slumped as if he were carrying a heavy load.
The very next morning, Ofie asked, “Papá, necesito dinero for my lunch porque hoy sirven grilled cheese sandwiches.”
Papá […] stopped in his tracks. “En espanol,” he reminded her. […]
Ofie folded her arms and stood her ground. “I’m American. I speak English.”
Papá gave her several slow nods. “Bueno, americanita, tendràs que comprar tu almuerzo con tu proprio dinero.”
“That’s not fair,” Ofie cried. […] The little American girl had understood every word of Papá’s Spanish!