Part 1, Key Biscayne, Florida Summary

Herberto's father, Arturo Cruz is dead. Constancia attends the funeral with her husband. Herberto has been unapproachable for weeks. It has gotten progressively worse since his father's death. At the funeral, she catches sight of her first husband, Gonzalo Cruz. Relatives have told her that Gonzalo is slowly dying.

Constancia and Herberto moved to Key Biscayne shortly after the New Year. Constancia does not like Miami. Miami reminds her of life in Cuba. She hates being so idle and wants to work. Herberto discourages her from getting a job. He wants her to wait until they are more settled.

As she sits in the funeral service, Constancia remembers how her mother abandoned her when she was five months old. Shortly before Constancia turned three, her mother returned eight months pregnant, battered and bruised. Constancia did not want...