Summary

In Chapter 28, Ana keeps Merci and Roli home from school the following Monday, constantly checking to see if they are alright. Merci is struggling with the knowledge that everyone knew Lolo was sick and chose not to tell her. Abuela and Lolo come over and have to knock because Merci locked the door. She says none of them ever knock, “But I locked the door, like another boundary between us” (270). Merci takes a moment to open the door. Abuela hugs her, but Merci does not return it, then leaves the room.

Lolo joins her in the living room. She is surprised that he looks no different, other than tired, but she knows now what is happening to him. Lolo apologizes for his role in the accident and says “I don't know what happened” (272). Merci counters, saying she knows the truth. She says they...