This coming-of-age story from Judith Ortiz Cofer describes the interaction between a teenage girl working a summer job in a swimming pool kiosk and Valentin, her thirty-year-old mentally challenged male assistant. Valentin is nervous and clumsy, creating chaos whenever he tries to help. Fortunately, his rubber-band “art” animals keep him occupied. She would rather work alone and have more time to flirt with the muscular young lifeguard and talk with friends. Things change when the lifeguard “goes missing” and the girl and Valentin rescue a small child who nearly drowns. Themes: inclusion, patience, acceptance, friendship, courage, responsibility.
Original Text / PDF (6,010 words)