Read the excerpt from “broken chain.” “come on, man, let me use it,” alfonso pleaded. “, ernie, i’ll do anything.” although ernie could see alfonso’s desperation, he had plans with his friend raymundo. they were going to catch frogs at the mayfair canal. he felt sorry for his brother and gave him a stick of gum to make him feel better, but there was nothing he could do. the canal was three miles away, and the frogs were waiting. which message does gary soto want readers to take away? small gifts have great influence. achieving one's goals is unrealistic. friendship is something that everyone should value. people place their own needs above those of others.