Across A Hundred Mountains

The morning after Juana’s twelfth birthday, Apá leaves for the United States. Before he leaves, Juana gives him her rosary, to keep him safe. Amá and Juana don’t get out of bed for most of the day. Eventually, Apá’s mother and Juana’s grandmother, Abuelita Elena, visits the home and scolds Amá for being lazy. Amá kicks her out of the house. Later, Juana’s godmother and Amá’s good friend, Antonia, comes over. Juana overhears their conversation and learns that Amá was a beggar when she and Apá met, and Abuelita Elena never wanted Apá to marry Amá, and has never liked her since. That night, Juana hears an owl, which makes her nervous, as “owls always brought bad news. News of death” (41).

The next day, Don Elías comes to visit. Don Elías paid for Anita’s funeral, and Juana’s family is now indebted to him. Amá assures Don Elías that she will pay their debt once Apá sends her money in four weeks.

After four weeks, Juana and Amá have not heard from Apá. Rumors spread that Apá has abandoned his family. Juana begins skipping school. Meanwhile Amá is working at the train station selling quesadillas.