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 Amado,
a 10 or 12-year-old Latino boy, lives on the streets of Santa Barbara
and has teamed up with a gang for his safety. His daily life, as Eden
and Cruz discover it, is that of young people left to themselves in the
streets : stealing to eat, begging to earn extra money, associating with
other stronger ones, fighting to keep a piece of territory.
Amado
is found by Cain and Cruz while he was searching the offices of the Last
Resort Agency. Accustomed to getting out of all situations, Amado
manages to find an excuse for his presence and even to beg for work : he
also dreams of becoming a private investigator. Sensitive to the young
boy, Cruz offers to hire him temporarily in the agency, starting at the
bottom of the ladder. Independently of his will, Amado knew how to touch
Cruz's soul; the latter finds in the young boy, the child that he was
years earlier. And it is because Cruz had the chance to find someone who
helped him to get off the street that he plans to do the same with
Amado.
But
Amado is not Cruz. And it is quite naturally that Amado steals earrings,
a gift from Cruz to Eden, to make some money.
Although
hurt by Amado's attitude, Cruz, unlike Cain, decides to give him a new
chance. In turn, Cruz plays both the role of big brother and father to
try to get Amado back on track. Amado does not remain insensitive to
Cruz's words or the meal he offers him, surprised by the confidence that
is shown to him. His self-esteem, however, remains the strongest : he
does not want their pity; because in his world, he cannot trust anyone,
except perhaps the other members of his gang (like Critter whom he
idealizes). However, in compensation for the help received and to
apologize for the theft and his share of responsibility in Cruz's injury,
he agrees to accompany Eden for her report on the underprivileged young
people of the city.
Amado's
road will move away with the arrival of Critter, another street boy...
We can hope for him a better future.
Portrait
written for this site by Lilian
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