Summary

Chapter 7, “Open Gates,” begins in November 1984. Flaca is listening to the radio while working in her family’s kitchen when she hears the news that the latest vote will bring an end to the military dictatorship when the new, pro-democracy president will be inaugurated in March. She feels a sudden sorrow and grief that her deceased mother did not live to see this day. Flaca is in the kitchen with her father, who begins to cry for one of the few times Flaca has ever seen. Flaca tells her father that she won’t ever have a traditional family, and he reassures her and indicates that he knows and approves of her sexuality.

Paz goes for a walk around the city at night while reflecting on the news, since nighttime walking had been previously illegal. Paz has purchased her childhood home from her mother...