Note: For the rest of the chapter, “Roberto” refers to adult Roberto. “Young Roberto” refers to the 10-year old version.
PANEL 1
Roberto trudges away back in the other direction, away from the corner. He sniffs the air. Behind him, the slightest lines, ghostly and unreal, hint at the figure of a boy standing behind Roberto.
SOUND EFFECT
snfff
snfff
PANEL 2
Identical to PANEL 1, but the 10 year old version of Roberto now stands behind the adult Roberto. The adult Roberto now appears semi-translucent. Their backs are to each other. The 10-year Roberto old dribbles a soccer ball at his feet, and is about to round the corner to go back towards the community center.
PANEL 3
We stay with the Young Roberto. No longer a ghost, he continues walking and kicking the ball. He passes by the unharmed community center, as it appeared years ago. A narrow grass field in the front is filled with Mexican children playing soccer. Next to the field is a basketball court, which starts from the sidewalk, then runs down the width of the building on the far end. The court is dominated exclusively by young black BALL PLAYERS.
PANEL 4
A moment later. The basketball has been lost by the players, and now rolls towards Young Roberto.
BALL PLAYER 1
Hey you! Li’l help?
PANEL 5
Young Roberto kicks the ball, soccer style, back towards them. A general “HA HA HA” rises from the group.
BALL PLAYER 1
Nice kick!
BALL PLAYER 2
Grass-ee-ass!