Summary

Ana and Juan arrive in New York City in January 1965. Ana dislikes the snow and cold. However, she is relieved to learn that she and Juan will not be living by themselves. Juan’s brother César is living in the same apartment as them. César is about the same age as Juan. Before Ana left for America, her mother advised her to be demanding towards Juan, especially to ask him for money to send to Ana’s family. However, Ana is scared of Juan and cannot bring herself to ask him for anything. The apartment itself is messy and has a bad odor. Subservient to Juan, Ana begins cleaning and performing other domestic duties. She feels homesick and longs to see her family and Gabriel. Juan spends most of his time out of the apartment, performing manual labor jobs to make money...