Stargirl took notice, but understands that sometimes little boys come with their moms into the girl’s bathroom. Grandma was helping Stargirl change from her school clothes into her white judo gi and red dojo t-shirt. The two boys came in with their two moms. Only one was not so little. That one’s mom was frustrated and angry. Perhaps because the mom wanted him to be independent by now, able to take care of himself in the boy’s bathroom, Grandma guessed?
Stargirl paused in her own changing, paralyzed listening to the angry tones. The boy doesn’t want to get dressed, doesn’t want to go to judo. Grandma wasn’t understanding all the Spanish, but Stargirl was.
Stargirl puts her face close to grandma’s and whispers so softly in English, “She said if he doesn’t behave she’s going to put him on the street.”
Grandma is shocked, but whispers back. “That mom is frustrated but she should not say that. We don’t talk like that in our family.”
Then they hear a slap! And more angry words.
Walking to rejoin Mommy, Stargirl remained sober and thoughtful. Immediately she related the disturbing story. “And she slapped him, on the cheek! I even heard it! And she told him…”
The wise Mommy asked, “What did he look like? Did he look scared, or did he look like she says that sometimes?” Stargirl and Grandma both agreed he looked like she says that sometimes. And Mommy reiterated that is not good behavior for a Mom.
Stargirl and Grandma both couldn’t stop thinking about the short scene that had played out right beside them. It was a small moment but a moment of violence, violence both verbal and physical. It left them both quite sad. And appreciating their gentler, wiser family.
Pencilonmybackporch 
Yikes. That sounds like a scary experience.
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Makes us all more appreciative of what we grew up with. Different cultures always surprises me, sometimes in good ways, and sometimes not as good.
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This is powerful scene-setting. I think about the bathroom exchange playing out, the casual violence whatever the rationalization, and the damage it does going forward. “…that is not good behavior for a mom,” not for anybody. Hopefully this is what Stargirl carries with her.
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This is a powerful scene that you described through multiple perspectives. I have many times been shocked by a parent’s behavior towards a child in the check out line at the grocery store, but this one was even scarier.
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How often we dream of perfect time spent with family. You describe this small moment so clearly that I am feeling the anger and hearing the slap and feeling your empathy for the boy. I’m glad you were there to share this moment with star girl and try to put words to what you both experienced.
I’m also glad to read this as it means you are safely in Spain! I just dropped my mom off and I’m safely back home. Love traveling! Also like returning back home safely.
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I’m glad to hear you and your mom are home safe! It sounded like such a lovely trip for the ladies. We are having a good time. I’ll try to find something more cheery to write about tomorrow!
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Oh Fran, this must have been difficult to write, much less experience. Your honest talk with Stargirl will pave the way for reflection.
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