Each Tiny Spark: List 2

We do basic services like oil changes, air-filter replacements, and tire rotations. We also do cosmetic work like dent repair, paint jobs, and buffing.

We do basic services like oil changes, air-filter replacements, and tire rotations. We also do cosmetic work like dent repair, paint jobs, and buffing.

He lifts his cap, and his hair puffs out under the bridge of his hat before he heads to the stall to work on a Honda Civic that needs a new transmission.

The movie theater that used to only play one movie was refurbished about two years ago and turned into a multiplex that screens three movies.

Abuela has already set a plate down with the pork sandwich and plantain chips at the head of the table, where my dad sits.

“Mrs. Brennen asked me if I understood what constitutes a statistical question and I told her yes, but then she asked me to give an example and I said I didn’t know.”

There is unity in the crack-crack-crack of the welding gun fusing metal.

“He’s jet-lagged,” Abuela interjects, popping into the frame behind me.

There is a little red stubble appearing on his cheeks.

I write thesis statement in bold and then skim the story before looking back at the question-and-answer section.

“Emilia, I’m here for any additional support you need. Anything. Oh, and let’s talk about the electives for next year.”

Mrs. Liz seems genuinely frightened.

“Those things have spurs on the backs of their feet that emit poison. If it whacks you, you’re going to be in agony for days.”

They both share a love of soccer, though they have serious disagreements about whose club is better. Gus’s family is from Guadalajara, Mexico. His dad is a Chivas fanatic. That’s the Guadalajara team.

“Never been downgraded to second tier,” Señor Orestes said, “and the winningest record. And homegrown talent.”

He had a knack for painting and wound up working at paint and auto body shops most of his life.

“It still has some remnants of the original color. But we have to sand it down now and then we’ll repaint. Sound good?”

“Oh,” I say. He’s talking about his deployment. I try my best to act casual and not interrupt him so he’ll keep talking.

I’d be up in that tower at three in the morning just looking out into the expanse.

“It’s different. Off the beaten path, as they say. Not like Chinh. He’s doing his on the sporting venues in town, starting with the football field.”

The movie terrified me, and Gus tried to make me feel better by telling me the story behind it.
“It’s an allegory for the Spanish Civil War,” he said.

“My eye caught fire, Emilia. The pain was excruciating.”

It describes the impressive “pyrotechnics show,” which I think just means fireworks and stuff like that.

“...Did you know that in the sixteenth century, over one million African slaves were brought to Cuba?” Mom asks, bringing me back to our conversation.
“Really?”
“Yeah. And those people, in bondage, brought traditions that helped shape Cuba’s cultural identity.”

Sometimes people try to fix their own cars, but they don’t know how and end up causing more damage.
“Prognosis, Doctor?”

“Well, the car is going to need a new rim and we should check the alignment,” I tell him.

So I studied and when the grades came back, Ms. McKennen said she was “flabbergasted” by our performance.

Gus seems completely mortified. Why would Abuela think it’s okay to talk about this in front of Gus? He’s my best friend, but there are some things you just don’t say out loud.

“I think another story is brewing—a star-crossed-lovers kind of tale where one love waited by the gazebo but the other never showed up and she became so sad that she cried herself to death.”

The rustle of our feet against the leaves sends a quiet echo through the woods.

I had to memorize all the state symbols for a geography test last year. Mom made me repeat them over and over and over again until I saw the state nickname (Peach State), state song (“Georgia on My Mind”), state vegetable (Vidalia onion), state fruit (peach), state dog (adoptable dog), state bird (brown thrasher), and even the state prepared food (grits) all swirling in my head for days.

These seven leaves here are for the seven Cherokee clans.

The Cherokee had to endure the harsh journey to Indian Territory out west. And in the middle of winter! Without enough food, or medicine, or anything.

Gus sets up his camera and I put on the monster costume that’s really just a tarp with some dirty washcloths and tree branches stuck to it.

A previous mayor called Atlanta an “international city,” but I see it with a whole lot of contradictions. How does the city of Merryville, with its different neighborhoods and schools, fit into all of this?