This is about Isaiah, a (I'll say) adolescent boy in a Spanish family who just got the news of a death in the family, specifically, Isaiah's cousin, Debbie's (A name that I find out of place in such a Spanish family), husband. This all takes place during Thanksgiving dinner.
I think what I like best about this story is the sense of the Spanish culture in the family. I love the details of the food they eat (Green chili stuffing? I'd like to try that out because I have no idea what green chili is.) and the other details about New Mexico, the hot air balloons, the highway bridges, the chili fields. All of that stuff gives a really great background to the piece that seems so rooted in the family.
Few things: make sure you change the section where to cousin is crying on Isaiah. You say it's the aunt when I'm sure you meant Debbie.
I'm confused as to why the family would just go on and pretend nothing happened when they get the news of Albert's death. "They said that time was the only way for her to recover and that there was nothing we could do but continue our plans to celebrate." It's a weird thought to have the day OF his passing. Maybe a week after, I'd let this pass, but right now, it stands that this family is just trying to get away from something icky. If that's what you want to go for (the family not truly being there for Debbie) then you should emphasize it more. As it stands now, it just looks weird.
Also, I don't think there is a significant change in any of the characters. You could probably play up this family thing. They aren't really there for Debbie because they seem to avoid icky situations. But through Isaiah's action of compassion, they are able to finally show some for Debbie. That's just a suggestion.
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