Simon is an Asian American in his early 20s. As the scene opens he is sweeping up glass from an accident that has happened at the convenience store that his family runs in New York. He shares with us a story that deals with all of the expectations that he and his family had when they came to America and how all of their dreams actually did come true. However, during and after the COVID pandemic he recognizes that the rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans was very real and something that he and his family experienced on a basis that was much too regular than they would have liked. This is a story about how heavy heat can be and how racism will always be a negative experience but hopefully with the combined powers of good people and family those who do experience racism will be able to rise above it. A beautiful story that highlights how the same place that has always been so special can quickly turn into a place of fear because outside forces have decided to hate you for things that are not within your power. *Note, Simon must be a person of Asian descent, which may be adjusted for the performer. This person does not have to be gender specific. Please change pronouns as needed for the performer and the writer gives permission to also change the name of the character to fit the necessary gender.
