Chapter 2

A lawyer explains that Papa left the house to Mama and Esperanza, but because it is not customary for women to own land, the land belongs to Tío Luis. Tío Luis immediately tries to buy the house from Mama at a very low price and suggests that they get married right after the mourning period. Mama refuses both offers, knowing that as their landlord or as a husband, Tío Luis will make their lives miserable.