The Weight of All Things

Dolores explains who she is to Nicolás. She says that she and her men are part of the popular liberation forces. She says they are “the people’s army and as such we are in army comprised of the poor” (51). She explains that they wage battles against the Army and that their forces are growing as people join the fight every day.

Tata interrupts and says that he and his grandson are not part of any fight. Dolores tells them that although the rancho is his, the enemy will soon “come and seize it” (52). Tata is worried that if Dolores hides at his rancho, she will bring the enemy to the mountain. Dolores responds that they will come anyway, and “a few of us must sacrifice for the good of the rest” (53). Tata makes it clear that he doesn’t want them at the rancho, and Dolores makes it clear that he has no choice, but she won’t stop him if he wants to leave. Dolores goes on to detail the way she and her Muchachos will use the rancho as a hideout to recuperate and plan their next move. She tells Nicolás that he will have hard work ahead of him and promises not to eat his goat, but to use her for milk.