Chapter 10 Summary

Hortensia shows Esperanza how to make a salve from avocados to help heal her hands from all the hard work of cutting potatoes in the cold. It helps some, but she realizes her hands will never again be those of a rich matron of a successful ranch. In the meantime, Mama continues to get weaker, and the doctor tells Esperanza her mother has pneumonia, and she should discontinue her visits for a while so as not to bring any more contagious diseases into the hospital. Before she leaves Mama, she carefully braids Mama's hair and once more promises to take care of her.

In the early spring, Esperanza and Miguel go to the market for groceries. They have been told to go to Mr. Yakota's market, even though it is much farther than some others. Miguel explains that Mr. Yakota is friendly to...