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Personal Narrative-The Troubled Childhood Of San Gabriel

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Gunshots followed by a chorus of screams penetrated my eardrums. Bullets grazed the front door, exploding at the back wall of my home. The place I long for and miss the most is also the most troubled. The home my family left behind in Colombia is a pivotal component of my life today. Undoubtedly, the house that is passed from generation to generation is of most importance. Its vibrant essence, lively character, and quirky traits make it a place I strive to go back to. In the troubled neighborhood of San Gabriel, blended between a rumble of rundown shacks and comunas, is my cherished home. Throughout the day, there is an overwhelming influx of people. Unfamiliar faces and booming voices go hand in hand with the permanently open front door. “A smile, tea, or polite conversation must always be offered to a passing brother or sister,” recited my grandma. This policy led to desperate fugitives pushing inside unannounced, seeking refuge. Frantic eyes, stumbling legs, and dodging death, were common characteristics of these delinquents. It was not strange for a stray bullet to become another unwelcomed guest in the household. …show more content…
The same tired red leather couch my mother grew up with, sags against the wall. Tears at every edge cause foam to ooze out of the cushions. Stains from home brewed coffee mix with the assortment of marks and fading fabric. Above the couch is a portrait of a white blue-eyed Jesus, hosting dust and webs dating back decades. The same outdated television, blurry and stuck to the same volume remains untouched. Tacky curtains bring life to every corner. Curtains with chickens, blue and yellow plaid, green mossy flowers, and a pomegranate pattern are the entrances and exits of my Colombian

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