reflections on nilda, and muse:up against

nilda was a very interesting story. it was a rather interesting perspective of the author's brother's past relationship with the title character. juniot diaz has such a unique style. he insists on not using quotation marks, period, and he keeps the full sense of his coarse childhood intact. which, while i was trying not to cringe at the overly used obscenities every other second word, just drew me in and made the story that much truer. i really think that if diaz had censored all of that out, it wouldn't have been truth to him--and then would have been less of a story for the reader. life is uncensored, so why shouldn't writing, right?

additionally, diaz's memory seems a bit abridged. it's implied that his brother passes away, but it's never explicitly said. which leaves some holes for the reader, and i personally was wondering what happened to all the characters.

now, stepping out of those shoes, time for real life. kinda.
it seems that a year's worth of drama has been squeezed into the first two weeks of school, culminating in a fight that ended in angry words and tears. i was quick to respond, and was surprised that nobody else did. okay, i agree that we shouldn't get involved too heavily in people's problems, but if someone is crying is it too much to ask to comfort them?

muse:
it had been relatively silent, before. just a few laughs breaking the quiet of the library. but tensions began to rise, and everyone could feel it in the air. the giggles began to spread further apart, the quiet began to take over, and voices began to grow louder and louder, arguing about the proper role of leaders and who should take what role, culminating in a tearful exclamation.

he had noticed and jumped down from his perch on a bookshelf to comfort her. that seemed his job, to make people laugh, and to pick up broken pieces. he seemed to have the infinite caring capacity that every mother hen envied, as he raced towards his friend. he took her in his arms, creating a shelter. angry words continued to fly, and he tried to take the shots for her. anything to keep her safe, to keep her fragility from showing. suddenly, he became aware of the overwhelming silence along with the stunning amount of indifference from the bystanders. some sat huddled in a corner, others sat at their computers staring blankly at the screens. she cried out again, her voice breaking. the arguers stopped, looking at her. the boy's face betrayed a sliver of something, and he instantly gave in to her wishes. the girl, angrier, stared coldly at her opponent before shrugging off the burden. he murmured reassurances, and withdrew his arms. she looked up, quietly thanking him. and just like that, as he turned around, order was restored. the strangling quality of the air was gone, replaced by something lighter. but as he walked away, he felt that same choke-hold on his heart. he stopped in his tracks and collapsed.