Summary

Julia continues to struggle with the secret of Olga’s affair and pregnancy, and with her secret knowledge of Amá’s border-crossing rape. Julia asks Apá about his artistic past to try to connect with him. He rejects the conversation and explains that “sometimes in life you don’t get to do what you want to do…. shut up, and keep working. That’s it” (315).

At Dr. Cooke’s suggestion, Julia begins to swim regularly. The exercise tones her muscles and improves her frame of mind. In their sessions, they discuss Julia’s relationship with Amá and new attempts at compromise and understanding.

Julia waits for letters from her chosen colleges but receives rejection after rejection. Juanga and Lorena take her to the zoo to cheer her up, and Juanga gushes about his wonderful new boyfriend. He is happy despite...