Any Small Goodness

Mega Mango books a gig at the school dance. To shuttle their equipment to the high school gym, Luis and Arturo enlist Papi, riding in an old Studebaker that Papi calls “Valentín” after his favorite Western movie star, Valentín de la Sierra. Papi had found Valentín in a vacant lot, left there to rust and fall into ruin. He and his friend, however, fixed it up, returning it to its former glory. Because of its age, Valentín tops out at 40 miles per hour, and its small cargo space necessitates that Papi make several trips to accommodate all the band equipment. Still, Arturo hopes to drive it one day.

The band rides with Papi through the barrio’s backstreets, braving the night’s heat. They wear bright, tropical-colored shirts, inspired by the drummer’s hometown of Veracruz, Mexico. Papi makes three trips, and Arturo joins the last group. As they ride, a group of young men trail them, dressed in leather jackets with purple armbands. They also reek of beer. Arturo recognizes the gang from a previous run-in on the way to school. They hurl insults at Papi, even splashing Valentín with some beer. Papi, used to such disturbances, remains calm. Arturo admires Papi for his silent strength.