Mami’s roses have died, despite everyone’s attempts to keep them living. Lupita often finds herself in the garden, looking for a sign of Mami. Papi looks on with worry, but Lupita knows there is nothing to worry about. Under the mesquite, Lupita again takes solace in the garden with her writing.

Lupita’s senior year passes by. Yellow flowers grow on the mesquite, she and Victoria do well in their drama competition, and the three oldest sisters go to prom together. Though positive changes are happening around her, Lupita’s mind is devastated by the loss of her mother. Other people move on as best they can, but Lupita can’t even imagine planning to go away to college. Her father, considering that her mourning has made her stagnant, suggests she go to Mexico to stay with his mother for a while. Lupita agrees to go, though inside she is still convinced that the dark cloud that follows her will never pass.

Lupita spends time with Papi’s mother in Mexico. The space and the tranquility allow Lupita time to think. Lupita explores what used to be her dreams for the future with her old friend Ofelia but believes that those dreams are useless now that