This is the short story of Luis Angel Granados, the 16-year-old son of a Mexican father and an American mother. When his parents split up, Luis takes refuge in music, creating and recording hip hop beats and lyrics that speak to his experiences growing up between two countries. In this piece, Luis and his best friend record some tracks, then attend a 4th of July barbecue and celebration, thinking about their mixed-identities as Mexicans, Americans, musicians, and everything in between.

From his house, Luis can see the U.S./Mexico border, and beyond that, his father’s house.