Summary

Herminia grew anxious. It was now evening. The sun was starting to set over the city, and Koralia and Milagros still had not returned. The baby had cried itself to sleep. Like Herminia, the child had grown used to hunger. Once accustomed to hunger one felt worn down and numb. Watching the “filthy pigeons,” Herminia wondered where "all the things that once seemed lasting" had gone (3).

Finally Koralia and Milagros appeared. From a distance, Herminia could only tell it was them by the clothing they wore. They looked fragile and weak. Their bodies seemed to have begun aging "before their time" (3). Herminia removed her glasses and cleaned them on her dress. She wanted to be able to see her daughter and granddaughter "more clearly" (3). Koralia's hair was completely gone. Milagros's head was covered in "the fuzz of a skinny chicken" (3). Herminia thought they...