Summary

In Chapter 5, "Lucia," Lucia, Manny, and Essy arrive in Ecuador. Manny's family picks them up. Essy is immediately attached to Fredy. They drive to the farm, where Manny's mother, aunts, and cousins surprise them with a small house at the edge of the property. That weekend, the family hosts a welcome party. Lucia feels she finally has family.

Manny begins working with his father. Lucia spends her days with Mami, the aunts, and Essy. The women press her about having another baby. Lucia works to keep herself busy working on the farm. Her thoughts remain punctuated by the serpents. She hangs a mosquito net over the bed to keep the agitating bugs out. She attempts writing, but feels frustrated and stifled. One night she asks Manny if they can move into town. He thinks it is a bad idea. Lucia wants to open...