Save Me a Seat

Joe realizes that he has missed the start of school when he wakes up with sunlight streaming through his window. He runs downstairs to find his parents sitting at the kitchen table. Joe asks what’s going on, and his mom admits she got someone to cover for her at school. After prodding, Joe greets his dad, who is unshaven after being on the road. Joe’s mom gets him breakfast: “Usually on school days, I eat a couple of bowls of cereal and a smoothie in the morning, but my mother has made huevos rancheros” (138). Joe receives a large helping but has lost his appetite and asks about a family meeting. His parents evade the question, and his dad asks about Dillon. His mom advises Joe talk to Dillon, which his father scoffs at. Joe’s dad goes on a tirade about immigrants, but Joe says Dillon was born here. Joe’s father criticizes Joe’s mother for babying Joe, and Joe says this wouldn’t be a problem if his mom had stayed out of his business like she promised. Joe’s mom starts crying and asks why Joe never mentioned Dillon’s bullying. Joe maintains he can handle it himself, but his father discusses calling the principal.