How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Her eyes were full of tears. Papá, who was sitting next to her on the mattress, lifted its corner and pulled out from underneath the white embroidered handkerchief. He tenderly handed it to Mamá, saying, "Feliz Navidad, vieja." (6.17)
Francisco's parents have a super strong relationship, and though they go through plenty of tough times together, no matter what they stick by each other. So when Papá gives his wife a sweet gift for Christmas, it's just another sign of how extremely supportive this couple is. They might be short on cash, but not on love for each other. Aw…
Quote #5
El Perico immediately threw a tantrum and began shrieking, louder than ever. The noise struck my father like lightning. He had been in a terrible mood the last few days because he was not sure where we would work, now that the grape season was almost over. Covering his ears with his hands, he bolted to the corner of the garage, grabbed the broom, and swung with all his might at my friend, who was perched on the wire. Red, green, and yellow feathers scattered everywhere. El Perico hit the dirt floor like a wet rag. Instantly Roberto, Mamá, and I started wailing. (7.5)
Sometimes family members do things we don't like, which Francisco learns the hard way. When the family parrot throws a huge fit, Papá gets super heated. And that means bye-bye Mr. Parrot. In his defense, though, Papá has his reasons for being on edge. He's trying to keep all his kiddos fed, and work is scarce so he's scared about what's coming in the future. Looks like each of Francisco's family members have different things to be upset about these days.
Quote #6
They each took a row. I went ahead about a quarter of the way into Papá's row. I took my hands out of my pockets and started picking and piling the cotton in the furrow. Within seconds my toes were numb and I could hardly move my fingers. My hands were turning red and purple. I kept blowing on them, trying to keep warm. […] I could not go on. Frustrated and disappointed, I walked over to Papá. He straightened up and looked down at me. His eyes were red and watery from the cold. Before I said anything, he looked at Roberto, who bravely kept on picking, and told me to go over to the fire. I knew then I had not yet earned my own cotton sack. (8.33)
When it comes to cotton picking, his mom, dad, and big bro are all pretty great and get their own cotton sacks, but poor Francisco hasn't earned his own sack yet. And when he fails to pick enough cotton on a freezing cold day, it looks like he hasn't won dad's approval either. This family may know how to stick together, but that doesn't mean there's not a little competition mixed in with all the love.