Summary

This chapter, called “Milpitas,” opens with Paz arranging for Roni to see a bruha (a faith healer) in the Bay Area named Melba for her eczema. On their way to the appointment, Roni asks Hero about her thumbs, but she brushes off the question. Hero reflects on how unfamiliar she is with the process of seeing a faith healer; she was born of a higher class than Paz and was therefore brought up around people who ridiculed the practice. She also reminisces on memories from Isabela, when Teresa would tell the cadres stories about the early days of American health in the Philippines. Back to the present, Roni is smeared with a sticky ointment and offered lots of food.

On another day, Hero tells Roni that it is good that she eats so much, since some girls diet. We then learn that for the...