Introduction

“Abuelito dinos una historia por favor!” Little Ava begged her grandfather for a story. “One from when you were little in El Salvador!” she added.

“Is someone trying to escape their bedtime?” Abuelito Tomás said as he picked up little Ava onto his lap.

Elías hearing this and also trying to escape their early bedtime said with a big grin, “Please, abuelito, we love your stories from when you were little like us.” He sat down at the feet of his grandfather and Ava who were sitting on a rocking chair.

“Okay pues esta bien,” Abuelito Tomás agreed to them. He knew from the moment Ava asked he was going to be telling a story because he had a soft spot for his young grandchildren.

Tomás began his story:

“ This story begins with my little brother, Andrés, and me walking home from playing with our friends. We lived in Metalio a small town surrounded by countryside everywhere. I was ten about your age, Elías, and Andrés was seven like you, Chiquita Ava. We were late so we knew we were going to be in big trouble for staying out so late. My mother used to always yell at us ““ Solo quieren vagar estos chamacos pero nunca quieren hacer nada en la casa! ¡Les va caer un sinchaso!”” Tomás said imitating his mother in a nasal nagging voice complaining how they always wanted to be out but never do chores in the house and how they deserve the belt. The kids and Tomás all laughed at Abuelito's imitation.

“Mami says the same thing to Elías!” Ava exclaimed.

“ No she doesn’t!” Elías said to Ava with a serious look." At least I’m not too scared to go out by myself and I need someone to take me to the potty at night still.”

Ava responded by sticking her tongue at her brother.

Tomás said, “Ya niños no peleen. If you guys keep fighting I won't tell the story.”

“Okay sorry abuelito,” The two kids responded sheepishly.”

Tomás continued his story:

“ Andrés and I were running home late at night. That night was darker than any night I have ever seen. Only the full moon's light helped us see through the darkness. Andrés and I had a shortcut for days that we were late going home. We knew a pathway through the forest to get to our house faster. So, we decided to go through the forest and as we walked through the dark forest, we heard the cries of a woman. I’ve never heard someone cry with so much pain. Andrés and I ran and followed the wails of the woman and we reached the river side. Her yells were getting louder and stronger.We wanted to help whoever was in such pain ”

“Okay, niños, time for bed!” the children’s mother said coming into the living room.

“No!! It was just now getting good! Please, a little more time.” the kids begged.

“Children it's late and its already passed your bedtime!” the mother replied.

Tomás said, “Children we can finish the story tomorrow I promise.”

The kids both went off to their beds wondering who the weeping woman was and excited to hear the rest of their grandfather’s adventure the next day.

Spanish translations:

1. Abuelito: grandfather (slang)

2. Historia: story

3. Chiquita: little

4. Niños: children

Phrases translated:

Spanish

1. Solo quieren vagar estos chamacos pero nunca quieren hacer nada en la casa! ¡Les va caer un sinchaso!

2. Okay pues esta bien

3. Ya niños no pelean

English

1.They just want to roam these kids but they never want to do anything at home! They are going to get a spanking!

2. Okay, very well.

3. Okay kids, no more fighting.