Baseball in April and Other Stories

Hector spends summers with his grandparents in Fresno. His grandfather, Luis Molina, often reminisces about his life in Jalapa, Mexico before he moved to California many years ago. Both Luis and his grandson are “dreamy and quiet” (24), and often eat together in silence, just enjoying each other’s company. When they do talk, Hector often asks his grandfather random questions about the world.

During the summer when Hector is nine, however, Luis starts asking his own questions. He is interested in real estate because his son-in-law recently bought a property and sold it to make money. One day, after a quiet lunch together, Luis asks Hector how much a house on his street is worth. Having no idea, Hector guesses $30,000. This estimate gives Luis hope because that means that his own house, which is in better shape, is worth much more. He dreams of moving back to Mexico as a millionaire.

On another day, Luis takes Hector with him to look at a pink house that is for sale a few blocks away. As they stand in front of the house, Luis pulls out a notepad and instructs his grandson to write down the telephone number on the sign.