"Most likely I will go to hell and most likely I deserve to be there. My mother says I was born on an evil day and prays for me. Lucy and Rachel pray too. For ourselves and for each other...because of what we did to Aunt Lupe." Chapter 23, pg. 58
Esperanza recalls her Aunt Guadalupe, a beautiful woman who loved to swim.
In a tragic accident, Aunt Lupe broke her spine and developed a hideous disease, became blind and useless. Esperanza realizes that disease pick just anyone, regardless of worship and race and honesty. One day, Esperanza plays with her friends by imitating various famous people. They randomly select her Aunt Lupe and made fun of her inability to cook, clean, iron, speak, and read. She overhears everything and feels pathetic and miserable. Mama never forgives Esperanza for doing such a horrible deed, for soon afterwards, Aunt Lupe passes away. The same Aunt Lupe who had always listened to Esperanza's poetry and encouraged her to continue writing.
