5. Bushing Milpa Summary

In Bushing Milpa, the medicine man stays with the family and reads the corn grains. He tells the family Father has offended the corn gods and that it will take him until the harvest to recover. Father is upset because he needs to bush, burn and plant the milpa. Tigre says he will do it. Mother worries about school because the government imposes heavy fines on illiterate children. Tigre will fail his exams. The teacher Don Alfonso volunteers to teach Tigre after school everyday. Don Alfonso says it will not be easy.

Tigre wakes up early and goes with Dog to the bush. At first Tigre thinks he cannot do it. Cutting down bush and studying is too much. He knows Father would not give up. Little by little it becomes easier. In February, Juan Bautista is born. There is another...