Any Small Goodness

Three years later, Arturo walks to school with Jaime, Alicia, and Raúl. On the way, they encounter a group of older boys, stinking of beer and sporting a bunch of tattoos. To Arturo, it’s clear that the boys belong to a gang. Though the boys harass them, Arturo and his friends remain calm, worried that the boys’ clothing might conceal weapons. Eventually, the boys drive away, and Arturo and his friends continue their walk to school.

During his first period, Arturo attends basketball practice. Basketball is popular in the barrio, and it’s common for kids to play with worn shoes and deflated balls. Led by the Coach, Arturo joins the Tigers, sporting green and gold. One day, the Coach unexpectedly arrives in a suit and tie, escorting an unlikely visitor: an NBA superstar. Named “Coach Tree” because of his towering stature, the new coach helps drill the players, easing into the community despite his celebrity. 

One night, Arturo helps Mami and Abuelita prepare chiles rellenos (stuffed chili peppers), donning special goggles to help chop the onions. Over dinner, they discuss Coach Tree. As avid basketball fans, Mami and Abuelita are excited that Coach Tree has joined the athletic staff, convinced that his motivations are pure.