The Spanish Daughter

In a flashback, Catalina describes Elisa, a childhood friend whom her mother forbade her from seeing. She sees Elisa at the pond in common clothes, unlike the fancy clothes that Angélica and Catalina wear. Elisa tells Catalina that she has a gift for her that she will bring later that night.

Catalina thinks of all the differences between Elisa and Angélica. Elisa plays with Catalina, unlike Angélica, who prefers the company of adults. Alberto swore to never play with Elisa or Catalina again after Elisa made him stay underwater longer than he wished in a makeshift game.

That night, Catalina hears Elisa outside her window and lets her in. Elisa gives Catalina a doll, which, though worn, Catalina loves. Elisa tells her the gift comes with one condition, but before she can finish, Catalina’s mother demands to come into the room. Thinking that Elisa has visited, her mother searches the room and demands to know who Catalina is talking to. Finally, Catalina lies that the Virgin Mary came to her and told her to love everyone. Convinced and overjoyed, her mother decides to tell the priest and Catalina’s father. She leaves, and Elisa, who has been hiding behind the curtain, tells Catalina her condition: she must show the doll to her father.