“For once I wish I didn’t have someone else to look after and take care of!” “Tell me about it! I mean I can’t help but feel bad for the big guy since he’s got mental problems. But I’m the only person that’s going to look after him, and I can’t help but love the big idiot.” “I’m glad my little sister isn’t challenged in any way. She’s just younger, but I still have to watch after her and keep her out of trouble. Who do you have to take care of?” “His name is Lennie. He’s my work partner. We’ve traveled a lot together. He’s strong, but he doesn’t have enough sense to make it on his own. I’m always with him to make sure he doesn’t hurt anyone or anything on accident. If he’s holding on to something and gets scared, he won’t let go. He doesn’t mean any harm. The poor guy honestly doesn’t know any better. What’s your little sister’s name?” “Her name is Nenny. That’s cool that their names rhyme. I wonder if they’d get along together. I bet they would be good friends.” “I don’t know. She’d probably start crying if Lennie killed a small animal while they were petting it. Then he’d just be confused and get all upset.” “That’s awful! He must hate being the way he is! I wish I could help him!” “I know he struggles to just be friendly and do what he’s told. He doesn’t want to hurt anybody. I have to yell at him to defend himself, and then he ends up hurting the bully when he gets scared and won’t let go of them. Then I have to reassure him that it’s not his fault, because he didn’t start the fight in the first place.” “I’m just glad that Nenny doesn’t get herself into trouble with bullies, and I hope she stays that way.” “Goodluck to her. I’ve just got to take care of Lennie for as long as possible until one day when I have to let him go.” “One day I’ll have to say goodbye to Nenny when I leave our home on Mango Street. She’ll still have my family to look after her when I’m gone.” “That’s nice. Well, it was nice talking to you, Esperanza.” “Thank you! It was nice talking to you too, George.”