Part One, Section 3 (through page 27) Summary and Analysis

Ernie's mother and her two brothers, Gustavo and Josy, arrive in Jalcocotbn shortly before Ernie is born. Ernie explains the primary reason why the move to Jalco. His parents, previously married in a civil ceremony in San Blas, had recently divorced.

Ernie describes how he is told, years later, of the divorce arrangement. His mother, pregnant with Ernie, is allowed to keep the gold ring and her sewing machine. These items are to help her support herself and her son. Because Ernie's grandparents had passed away, his mother and her two brothers decide to move to Jalco where their older sister lives. The older sister is Ernie's aunt, known to him as Aunt Esther.

Aunt Esther is married to Don Catarino Lupez. Don Catarino and his father and brothers are field workers in...