PANEL 1
Desiree lights another cigarette.
DESIREE
Such a shame about his mother. She was a good customer.
ANGEL
A good customer? She was in every other week, like clockwork!
DESIREE
Can you blame her? I think it was the only time she got to have a decent conversation in Spanish.
PANEL 2
Desiree’s hand extends into the panel and offers a cigarette to Angel. Angel waves her off.
DESIREE
(off panel)
You could tell her husband didn’t have any of that in the house.
ANGEL
I hate that. Even if I married a white boy he’d have to speak Spanish.
PANEL 3
Close in on Desiree. She takes a drag from her cigarette, inhaling deeply.
DESIREE
You were born here. It’s different. For the real Mexicans, sometimes they just want to start over. Be done with that.
ANGEL
(off panel)
You been there?
DESIREE
Mexico? Sure.
PANEL 4
Angel takes a cigarette from the pack. Desiree looks off.
DESIREE
Beautiful, in some places. Ugly, dirt poor in other places. But the people there… I don’t know. They seem to belong. You know?
ANGEL
Would you ever live there?
DESIREE
Not a chance in hell.
PANEL 5
Angel.
ANGEL
I think all Mexicans should visit their homeland.
DESIREE
(off panel)
Of course you do.
ANGEL
No. I’m serious. And we should all at least know how to speak Spanish.
PANEL 6
Desiree, with Angel’s profile against the left edge of the panel.
DESIREE
You’re young. You can afford to have big ideas.
ANGEL
That’s such a big idea? To love your culture?
PANEL 7
Desiree.
DESIREE
Love your culture all you want. But be damn glad you live in America.
DESIREE (CONT’D)
Spanish is fine for making tips, but English makes the world go round.