It's a crisp Monday morning in Minnesota. Carlos Garcia wakes up excited because, at the end of the week, he'll turn 13 years old. He climbs out of bed and exits his room. He walks downstairs to the aroma of breakfast and happily greets his parents when he sees them in the kitchen.
"Buenos días, mamá y papá!"He says this as he hugs both of them and sits at the table to wait for his food. He's very proud to be growing up in a bilingual household.
"Did you sleep very?" Officer Garcia asks this but in Spanish, putting a plate down in front of his son.
"Very well, how about you?" Carlos replies also in Spanish, drinking orange juice.
"Muy bien." Mrs. Garcia says, smiling at how thoughtful he is.
After he finishes eating, Carlos goes upstairs to brush his teeth and get dressed for school. He grabs his book bag and runs two houses down to where Kendall lives and walks in because he doesn't have to ring the doorbell and is always welcomed inside.
"Good morning, Mama Knight. Is Kendall upstairs?" He says.
"Yes, he sure is," she replies.
"Thank you," he says, running upstairs and entering the room.
"Good morning," Kendall says as he walks past him to get the socks out of the bottom drawer on the dresser.
taking up the bed "Are you ready to begin classes yet? I figured you would be downstairs having breakfast by now." Carlos remarks
Kendall says, "I woke up late," and opens his closet to choose the ideal hoodie to wear."
"Mom! I can't find my Rochester Grizzlies sweater! "Where's that?"
I keep saying to you, "You should do your laundry more often." Ms. Knight answers from the lower level.
"Why not simply put on a different outfit? There are numerous hoodies available for selection." Carlos says, waiting for him to get ready while he plays Tetris on his phone.
"My dad gave me that hoodie. Despite the fact that he is a jerk for abandoning us, it's the one positive memory I have of him." The idea that his father might never return frustrates Kendall, according to him.
"Amigo, I understand how difficult it is for you to discuss him. When you need me, I'm here. It's okay; I know you find it difficult to be without him." says Carlos.
"Thank you, but I'm good," I have to persevere for Katie and my mother. The man of the home is me. My role is to be brave and not let his poor choices affect us." Kendall says, still searching for a hoodie.
"We must quickly reach the bus. Logan is known for his punctuality. It bothers him to stand outside in the cold. He had a tomato-like face after fifteen minutes." Carlos chuckles at the mental picture.
"He's made sure we don't forget that." After deciding on a simple blue hoodie, Kendall says and puts it on. They both exit the room and head downstairs as he picks up his book bag.
"Can I ride the bus with you guys?" While playing with her My Little Pony dolls on the floor, Katie poses this question.
You're not ready, I repeat. You shouldn't do it when you're still in kindergarten, according to Mom. As you are aware." says Kendall.
"That is unfair! It should take the bus, please!" Katie folds her tiny arms in exasperation and pouts.
"I have no time to handle this. Berate our mother. Not me." Annoyed, Kendall rolls his eyes and walks out with Carlos.
The two young teens finally make it to the bus stop where James and Logan are waiting.
"Logie, are you okay?" As Carlos sees him trembling, he says.
"I have two coats on, and I'm still freezing." The youthful brunette responds.
James responds, "The bus will be here soon."
When it does, ten minutes later, they proceed to get on it.