Summary

Joaquin enjoys skateboarding down the street early in the morning when there are no pedestrians. The skateboard was a gift from his foster parents, Mark and Linda. He thinks about his biological mother, Melissa Taylor and his father's last name Gutierrez. His mother had not visited him "ten social workers ago" so he knows very little about her (28). He wonders why his mother never came to see him and if he is undesirable. Before living with Mark and Linda, Joaquin lived in some abusive foster homes. One day, Linda and Mark tell Joaquin that they would like to adopt him, but Joaquin only says "Kay" (32). His foster parents let him know that he has time to think about whatever he would like to do. Joaquin knows that if he ever speaks the words "mom" and "dad," that "they would reshape him" (32). Joaquin learned...