2 : Benny

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One week later, Naomi, Alex, and I are saying goodbye to our barrio. [neighborhood]
We decided it was time for a change, so we found a little place in another neighborhood, Washington Heights.

"Adios, amigos!" I say, waving to our people from the backseat of a taxi.

The people wave back at us, some of them with glossy eyes, just like my own.

"You must really love em, huh?" the driver says.

"Yeah." I say absentmindedly.

"Mind if I ask what happened?" He asks.

"Our house grew a fire and it broke." Alex says.

"Oh, well that's horrible news." Benny says, turning and winking at Naomi.
"Do you know anyone from Washington Heights?" He asks.

"Nah. We just needed a change." Naomi says.

"Well now you do. My name's Benny." He says, reaching back and shaking our hands at a red light.

"Nice to meet you Benny!" I smile.
"My name is Alexa, but you can call me Lexa."

"My name's Naomi." Nai says, grinning.

"IM ALEX WILL YOU BE MY FRIEND!" Alex shouts.

"Of course, little dude." Benny says, starting the car.

About thirty minutes later, we pull up next to a cab company sign that reads
ROSARIO'S
It's such a cute little place so far.

"So, where's your housing?" Asks Benny.

"Oh, we're staying with..." I read the small card that Abuelo wrote on.
"Señora Claudia."

"Oh." Benny got real quiet and sad.

"What's up?" Naomi asks.

"She... she passed on about a month ago." He says.

"What!?" I exclaim.

"No no no no..." Naomi says.

Alex just looks confused.

"I'm sure you could stay at her place though. I'll talk to Usnavi for y'all." He says. He parks the car and motions for us to follow him.

We walk to a small bodega on the corner. Benny, being a gentleman, opens the door for us.

"Bennayyyyy!" A man exclaims.

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