Irina Echarry’s Diary

What disconcerted me greatly back then — in addition to learning about her suffering abundant menstrual flows — were my own monthly odysseys of finding sanitary pads in the 1990s.

For a long time I haven’t believed in specially designated holidays. I’m of the opinion that every moment is important and that each day of the year one can recognize loved ones.

The first blow — one of surprise — he received directly in his face. Then the sobbing for the toy turned into a cry of pain. The pain was caused by incomprehension, according to the boy’s father, who had hit him.

First it was a damp spot, later continuous dripping, and then a stream of rain water running down the kitchen wall. In a short time it had expanded to the front room and the balcony.

It took some effort to figure out where the old man lived, since all he did was constantly repeat that he couldn’t go back to his house because there was someone abusive there.

When I heard the young woman speak, I realized that she was Mexican. She was holding a newspaper and commented to her friend: “I know there’s a war in Libya, but I don’t know why. I’ve barely read anything about that.”

On other occasions I’ve talked about the irresponsibility of people who abandon animals to their own fates. Now I have to highlight the kindness of this young woman. Fortunately, Brenda now has a home.

We expected a great change in our lives that wouldn’t be limited to running to try and jump on a bus, to “inventing” something to eat or simply dreaming that someday we’d live better.

Among those who survived, many returned with personality disorders, transformed, torn. Some came back with missing limbs, others without the desire to live. Some of them now sit around on whatever corner recounting their heroic feats while hawking cigarettes just to survive.

Without knowing why, I felt a wave of joy the first time they tied a knot in the neckerchief around my neck. I had been anxiously waiting for that moment, so a naive feeling of pride coursed through my inner being when I heard the words: “Now you are a pioneer.”