50 pages • 1 hour read
Don Félix, Nena’s brother, approaches Néstor at camp to tell him to stay away from Nena. Néstor is reminded how much he enjoys the freedom of his vaquero life, in which he does not have to listen to the patrón’s orders, but he restrains himself so that Nena does not get pulled away from him. He then reflects on the first time they kissed, saying it was “for practice,” but knowing that it was not. Reminded of what is important in life, he once again resolves himself to get through the fighting alive so that he can win back Nena.
Nena works with a lead curandero named Susana as the battle rages on. Many soldiers are wounded and some dead. She watches Néstor ride his horse into the battle and fears for him. The “Rinches” (American soldiers) run through their camp and shoot Susana. Nena frees herself from a man’s grip using her knife and thinks she sees figures on all fours, but she blinks and they are gone.
Two Yanquis ride toward her and Néstor pulls her back, shooting them both. They search each other for signs of injury, and he puts her on his horse to flee.
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