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Adalis S. Delgado Marrero

Professor Yari E. Cruz Rios

INGL 3104-116

10 March 2024

La Frontera

Every week like clockwork, walks through the doors of “La Frontera” the same two kids

Braulio and Sofia with their parents. From the moment I see the green Mazda car pulling up I

know my day just got better. I've known these kids since they were just toddlers, about two and

three years old, now, they're growing up fast, already five and six years old.They live about three

minutes from the store and each time they come they both get the same 6 individual bubbaloo

gum in three flavors, strawberry, tutti fruity and sour cherry, and a couple of Blow pop lollipops.

Braulio and Sofia sare the cutest kids in our little town, and their parents are equally respectful

and polite. Whenever they come into the store, they always take the time to ask how I'm doing or

if I need anything. Their kindness never goes unnoticed.

My life has always revolved around “La Frontera.” It’s not just a store I work in, it’s my

family’s life. As the oldest sibling, the responsibility of keeping the store running falls on my

shoulders. But our family's hardships extend beyond the daily work of the shop. I have two

siblings, Nicky, and Lola, who both suffer from muscular sclerosis. Their care became my

mother’s life’s work, leaving no space for anything else. As for me, their eight-teen years old
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healthy daughter was not able to go to college. When my dad got sick, the store became my

responsibility and my life had to go on a pause because no one could keep the store afloat but

me. Despite the problems, my dream has always been to become a writer and explore the world.

I have been in awe of its beauty and mysteries for as long as I can remember. But the reality of

my family’s struggles has kept me stuck in this little town running “The Frontera” unable to

pursue my dreams.

Despite the chaos, there is a ray of joy in Braulio and Sofia. Every time they step into the

store, their eyes light up with wonder as the walk through the array of candies and cereals. They

are so innocent and unaware of life’s hardships, their biggest concern being unable to watch their

favorite show because it is past their bedtime. This innocence is my reminder of the dreams I

once had and my image of the future. By watching them, I can’t help but feel a little hope. With

their laughter, playful fights, I see a possibility in the life I always wanted. They have so many

years ahead as do I, and maybe there could still be a chance for me to leave “La Frontera” and

pursue my passion.

Ten years have passed, and I am still working in my parent’s store. I am twenty- eight

years old, and my dreams never came true. My dad passed away, and my mom is still taking care

of the twins. I am the head of La Frontera, and I can’t imagine this has been my whole life. As I

am cleaning aisle 9, I hear a car pull up and from the window I see it’s the green Mazda, and

driving is Sofia with Braulio on the passanger seat. My life has flashed, and these kids are going
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to go to college already and follow their dreams. Sofia wants to become a speech therapist and

Braulio wants to work for the news. I just know they are going to do great. I just wished that I

was able to have those opportunities. When they walk through the door, they immediately see

me, and we engage in conversation. They always tell me what they are up to and how I should

still fulfill my passions. Sofia always tells me to leave the store, but I can’t leave my mom

behind. This is her life and source of income. But at the same time being here and losing my life

is not fair either.

One day, Sofia and Braulio come to the store to say their goodbyes because they are

leaving for college and will not come to the Frontera in a little while. As we bid our goodbyes,

and I saw the green Mazda leave the store, I stand between the aisles and feel something inside

me. Their future ahead and determination to follow their dreams gives a spark in my soul, which

remind me of my past goals and the passion I felt for them. In that moment, a I become clear of

what I was going to do with my life. I can no longer stay in la Frontera, with Sofia and Braulio’s

encouragement, I realize that it is not late to pursue what makes me happy. I immediately

approach my mother, expressing my desire to go to college and explore other opportunities

beside the store. To my surprise, she offers her support and says to me that she had talked with

Sofia and Braulio’s parents and had offered help with the store. With a mixture of excitement and

fear I take the first steps to pursue my passion. Embracing every opportunity that comes my way,

I am fueled with the same determination that drives Sofia and Braulio. La Frontera will always
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be a part of me, but I deserve to be happy and become what I have always wanted, a writer who

explores the world.