Summary

Elisa is left alone again as Pablo is off fighting, but this time she has the ring, and the reassurance that Pablo loves her. It is now Christmas, and the Perez sisters open presents in front of their smiling parents. While Elisa has always loved Christmas, this year she is constantly thinking about Pablo and Alejandro, off at battle. At Christmas Mass, she prays for them to stay safe.

Just after the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s, the radio announces that the rebel forces have taken Santa Clara. Surrounded by family and friends, Elisa and Beatriz stiffen at the news. Mrs. Perez turns white, and Emilio wears a grim expression. A party attendee declares that Batista is leaving the country, taking his advisors and friends with him. There are faces that are missing from the party, and suddenly it is clear...