Sitting in the viewing room for passengers in transit without a visa to enter the country, Peter and his younger brother is the spitting image of homelessness. Small size and boyish face, but seriously, Pedro does not look nearly 17 years listed in your passport his brother five years seems smaller than that age. Despite going alone and not speaking the language, did not seem scared. Both passengers are more serious and quiet of the room, populated almost entirely by American migrants restless and noisy. The brothers barely speak, only Peter directs some words to his younger brother while trying, unsuccessfully, to placate his disheveled laughters, perhaps not despair as they await the arrival of his turn for interview with immigration officials. Beyond the few words exchanged with her brother, Pedro remains deep in thought, perhaps thinking how amazing it is that that very morning was still on their land, Chalatenango, Republic of El Salvador, and now is in that room at Miami International Airport, on a scale due to meet his mother. Eighteen months without seeing her. Eighteen months since she left in search of a better life, leaving them in charge of his grandmother. A little while, my children, had promised his mother, only a little time, as with the money to pay the ticket for the trip you . And yes, those eternal after eighteen months, so they were traveling to meet him. His first start of Chalatenango and plane ... ... and to go abroad (perhaps not to return to his people, as said Grandma tearfully when fired). Entertaining in your thoughts, and 'comb' to his brother, Pedro did not feel the long waiting time before their turn. But already they were calling ...
-After greeting, Peter looks at the identification of the woman before him and read his name: Lucia Gomez - name that does not sound like gringo , thinks boy with relief. [Her mother probably warned them that they would play a Cuban official, but if not they would put a translator.]
-Lucia shortens the courtesies and start the questions, obvious, non-aggressive by themselves but seasoned with a tone of arrogance accentuated by the size of the woman whose hand remains a huge security officer and heavily armed. Enough to intimidate the kids, more to Peter than his brother, too young to know of intimidation:
- Why travel without visa? Why travel alone you and your brother were minors? Why with so few possessions? Why not bring a return ticket? How is them travel as far without taking hardly any money? Why ...?
Question sprung one after another, without giving the boy time to think before answering. At the blast inquisitive, Peter tries to remain calm but the look and the imperative tone of the woman nervous. Still, mentally reviewed her mother's advice and answers all predating the Lady :
- Lady: Do not bring money because we will reach my mom, few of our belongings because my mom said just bring our best clothes, travel without a U.S. visa because the embassy did not give us, just bring one-way ticket because that was that my mom and sent us ...
As advanced questions, the tension grows and the boy's voice is becoming less and less audible, almost a whisper trembling, in sharp contrast to the harsh and impassive expression on his interrogator. Pedro sweats anxiety and anguish, as if he felt that the long-awaited meeting with his mom is diluted through the bureaucratic red tape and the arrogance of the Cuban employed. But suddenly, unexpectedly, Lucia interrupted the questioning and, annoyed, muttering something inaudible before leaving in a hurry, not without warning to Peter that not even think about moving there. As if the boy could. The poor, now it looks scared, almost desolate. Eternal Ten minutes later she returned with a large woman who looked like Boss. Although he speaks quietly, it is obvious that the Chief draws attention to Lucy, who remains silent. After a few minutes, the chief interrupted his monologue to address poor kids in English. After briefly reviewing their IDs to the chest, their passports and plane tickets, the hurry commends the boarding gate as far and it is almost time for your flight to Madrid .... The brothers seem so confused and relieved when they leave hurriedly in the company of great women and other armed guard, leaving behind Lucia whose stony expression has transmuted into a hassle free. And while I, who have witnessed the tense interview [at first quietly and then brazenly, to the point you have closed the book I read while half listening half] resist the urge to help (though perhaps open your gone worse), I also about to leave the room to board my flight to Santo Domingo de Guzmán. Too bad I will not have to deal with Cuban ... because I did bring my return ticket, booking an expensive hotel paid by the academic institution that invites the course to which I, as well as the constancy of it, fed dollars for orders my friends and an overwhelming desire to put the Cuban that ... in place. Everything. Less ... visa ... it being December and little time with the course I found out I could not remove ...
*****
"No I care what the wrong move to make you fall on my body "Marguerite Yourcenar 
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