Part 1, Chapter 2 Summary

Carlos, called Allos by his family, lives on the farm with his father. His mother, baby sister and brother Amado live in town where Amado attends grade school. His other two brothers, aside from Leon, have already moved away from the area. Brother Luciano serves in the Philippine Scouts, which is a part of the U.S. Army, and brother Macario attends high school. Amado must help his father plow and harvest the fields while Carlos takes care of the household chores and the cooking.

The three try to finish the harvest before the rains come. They try to save as much corn as they can. The corn is damaged and they know that the flood will destroy their rice crop. In September, Macario, who is visiting, needs money for living expenses to return to school. Free education is a system...