A decision, A friend

A decision, A friend

The writing process in Soy Autor evoques an authentic experience of self discovery. The following piece is the result of the collaborative work between students and teachers to find the heart of the story, through the publication of their first illustrated Memoir.

With the support of:

A decision, a friend Marvin Eduardo Moreno Gonzรกlez

I was on the bus, hanging on the door,

I saw a sea of people as I was getting off.

I stepped in a puddle and my shoes got dirty.

After a few steps, I saw Chico.

— What’s up Marvin!

— What’s up Chico?

— Let’s go to the park to sell some quesadillas.

— No, I have to go to class.

— Let’s go — he told me again.

— All right, let’s go!

I didn’t go to school, I went

to the park with Chico instead.

We sold all the quesadillas.

It was 8:00 am.

I was scared that somebody might see me, I said to Chico,

— Can we go to your sister’s place?

— No! To my sister’s place, no.

— Why? — Let’s go somewhere else.

— Where? — I asked confused and a little scared, but

I finally said — Alright, let’s go.

While walking through the streets towards that mysterious place, Chico’s phone rang. ¡Ring Ring! Chico answered with a confused tone of voice,

“I’m taking him with me, we’ll be there in 10 minutes”.

And we took the bus.

We got to a house. I told Chico,

— Why are we here?

— They want to talk to you.

We walked into the house and I couldn’t believe what my

eyes

were

seeing.

My gaze turned sad and I sighed...

A harsh cold took over my body. I said:

— Chico, what’s going on? I don’t understand Help me, why are we here?

Some people approached me and one of them said:

— Don’t be afraid. If you choose well nothing will happen to you.

Follow me.

— Where?

— To the backyard. I want you to see something…

I followed them with a great fear inside me.

The backyard’s door was a few steps ahead. I heard punches pah pah pah. Scared, I said:

— I don’t want to get in there.

— Ok, no problem, but you already know what’s going to happen to you if you don’t decide well:

we’ll give you a week.

The fear was stronger each day.

I was at school and a friend approached me.

He told me, “What’s going on with you?”

Something about him made me trust him and I told him what was happening to me. I talked to him and he listened. He said, “Don’t be afraid, I’m here to support you, and they can’t force you to do something that you don’t want to do. Be brave, Marvin, you

a strong and remember that Chico is not a nice person. Stay are

away from him and when you get to that house:

Do what your heart tells you!”

And so it was… That day came and I went to the house.

There was Chico with the others.

— You came without delay. What’s your decision?

— No.

They started to laugh.

hahaha...

And the laughs continued. They said to me,

“All right but, mind you, let this be the lesson:

This is not a game!”

After that, I felt a great peace inside me.

I discovered who my friend Chico really was.

Never let anybody manipulate you or decide for you.

Always do what your heart tells you.

My name is Marvin I live with my mother I love to live my emotions I’m kind and sensitive I like to finish what I start I like carrot pupusas I practice athletics and swimming I enjoy eating sweet bread with coffee While I talk to people.

I’m proud of my country El Salvador.

I’m Marvin And I will be a forensic doctor And today I’m an author.