Victim

by Andrew Boryga

“So you only date white guys now? Why? Do you think there is something inherently better about them?” Mom scoffed. “See. This is what I was talking about. Esta mierda.” I decided to try to channel Anais. To channel the LTC. “You obviously can’t see it for yourself, but you have internalized issues, Mom. Maybe we should talk about them. Maybe I can help you educate yourself.” Mom hit the brakes, forcing me to fly forward. She ignored the honking car behind her. “Internalized qué? Listen, nene. Don’t let that fancy school of yours fuck you up in the head, okay? I like Jared because he’s a nice man. He’s a professional with goals. He’s not a bum. And he treats me with respect. So what if he’s white? That doesn’t make me any less Puerto Rican. Don’t come around here talking about what I am and am not, and what I need to learn, entiendes? I’m the one who brought you into this world, not the other way around. Don’t get it twisted.”