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“You can’t sell it! You just can’t!”

Tyler is very upset when his mother discusses with his father the financial need to sell the family farm. Of the three children in the family (Tyler, Ben, and Sara), Tyler is the one who enjoys farm life the most; he has a favorite show cow, Alaska, and does not mind his chores. He senses the farm’s importance to past generations and wants it to be part of his family’s future. He is relieved to learn that his parents hired helpers to work the farm, hopefully allowing his family to keep it.

“Lots of them are coming up here because they can’t earn enough back home to live on. Many of them used to farm. They’re separated from their families for years.” 

Mom explains to Tyler that Mexican workers are living in the trailer on their farm. Because Dad had an accident and cannot do physical labor, and because they cannot afford to hire workers through lawful means, Mom and Dad hired Mari’s Papá and uncles. Mom tells Tyler he should not talk about the workers at school, to avoid undo attention. This catalyzes a conflict within Tyler, who feels torn between doing what is right for his family and following the law.

“Nothing is wrong, my heart. But you will never forget me, ever?”

Mari’s Mamá says this to her the night before she leaves to fly home to Mexico to see her ailing mother, Mari’s Abuelita.