Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World (Aristotle and Dante, #2)

by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

They want us to read, but they do not want us to write.

“Not everything is that complicated, Ari.” “Not everything is as simple as you think it is.”

He was about to say something, so I just kissed him. To shut him up, I think. But also because I liked kissing him. He smiled. “You finally figured out a way to win an argument with me.”

THEY'RE SO CUTE FUCK

My love for him is silent. There are a thousand things living in that silence.”

“Not everything. But I don’t want you to feel that you’re living in exile. There’s a world out there that’s going to make you feel like that you don’t belong in this country—or any other country, for that matter. But in this house, Ari, there is only belonging. You belong to us. And we belong to you.”

“These are the names I have so far: Rafael—” “Nice.” “Michelangelo.” “That’s nuts!” “This from a boy named Aristotle.”

My father. My father, my father, my father.

Yeah, Dante was wearing off on me.

But if I carry Dante’s name with me, he will be the torch to light my way in the darkness that is Aristotle Mendoza.

When will we all get to be human, Dante?

“When Bernardo went away, you asked Mom, ‘Did I make him mad? Is that why he went away?’ That broke my heart, Ari. You loved him so much. When Bernardo didn’t come back, you changed. You became quieter—and kept to yourself. Always blaming yourself for everything.” “I don’t remember any of that.”

Crying