Summary

In Chapter 11, the next day, Arturo waits for Carmen at the restaurant after finishing his dishwashing shift. He hears customers talking about how they are excited about incoming Pipo Place. Carmen arrives with Abuela, and shows Arturo a newspaper article about the many different buildings in other cities that Pipo owns. Abuela begins to make mango smoothies, and appears unconcerned when Arturo tells her about Pipo. Abuela talks instead about the tiny, in-home restaurant that she started with Abuelo in Cuba. The three of them walk home, slowing down as Abuela begins to cough. As Arturo and Carmen help her get into her easy chair, she joins their two hands together.

In Chapter 12, Cari comes into Abuela’s apartment while Arturo is still there, to check on her. Arturo tells her about Pipo’s many large real estate developments. Cari decides to quickly...