Under the Mesquite

The narration in Part 3 brings the reader forward in time, to right after Mami’s operation. The doctor informs the family that the surgery was successful, and while Lupita starts her summer vacation taking care of her recuperating mother, her father goes to Mexico to bring back a nice gift for Mami. When Mami starts chemotherapy, Papi will care for her, and it is clear that Mami resents the fact that Lupita is watching after her instead of having a normal, carefree summer break. Lupita plays with makeup with her mother, an attempt to celebrate coming home safely.

Papi and the children cross the border with Mexico to attend their familiar church. Offering their prayers and anxieties to the altar of this particular church helps the family endure the fear permeating their lives—their mother’s cancer treatments. Papi buys the family “elotes calientitos”, a roasted corn dish that calms and bonds the family. As Lupita eats her corn, she declares to herself her desire to be strong and conquer.

Mami and Lupita watch telenovelas together, and Lupita admires how well her mother looks after the summer of the surgery.