Vampires of El Norte

Néstor approaches Los Ojuelos with Beto, terrified of how Nena’s parents will react to seeing the man who caused their daughter’s death. They talk about the government’s request for men and horses to defend Tejas from the Anglos. Now, the Anglos have taken Tejas and want to continue south.

Néstor finds his uncle, Bernabé, and his cousin, Casimiro, who look warily at Beto because he is half white. People crowd him and ask questions, so Beto steps in and begins telling stories to help Néstor avoid their interrogation. Bernabé brings Néstor to his abuela, who is angry that he has been gone for so long but loving because she has missed him. She asks him what happened and he promises to explain later. She orders him to make it to the meeting of the rancheros and vaqueros. The sights, sounds, and smells of Los Ojuelos elicit the memories he has kept at bay for nine years.

Beto tries to quell his worries, but when they walk into the courtyard of la casa mayor he agrees that everyone is looking at Néstor. Néstor looks at Don Feliciano, Doña Mercedes, and finally Nena. They lock eyes and she stands up to come toward him but her mother calls her name saying it is time for them to leave.