Summary

Chapter 7. News that World War II has ended reaches Antonio’s home. His brother Andrew writes to his mother to tell her that all three brothers – Eugene, Leon and Andrew-- are going to meet up in San Diego and then come home together. Antonio’s mother directs everyone to the living room where they all pray to the Virgin Mary statue and thank her for the safe return of the brothers. Antonio and his sisters fall asleep during the vigil, and their father carries them to bed.

The next day, the brothers arrive home. Antonio’s mother weeps and his father asks them several

questions about California. He suggests that now that his sons have returned, the family should move to California. The brothers seem uncomfortable with their father’s idea.

Antonio is excelling at school and his teacher sends a note home telling his...