Summary

Herminia, her daughter Koralia, granddaughter Milagros, and great-grandchild crossed the border into Cúcuta, Colombia. Herminia was the only one who was not hungry. She had stopped eating when they had "started making these trips" (1). She thought if she ate, Koralia and Mialgros would abandon her "on a backroad near the border" (1).

Initially, they were only crossing the border from Venezuela into Colombia "once a month" (1). Now they were crossing every week. They left early and did not return until late. The food they brought back was meager, and did not last. Mostly they ate pasta.

Herminia hated the trips. They exhausted her. Koralia and Milagros had told her to stay home, but she feared that, too. When Herminia said if she stayed back they would certainly abandon her, Koralia scoffed.

Herminia gave Milagros "an old sweet," as they had already finished their...