Alvaro tells Pequeña that the coyote will take Pulga and her across the border for five thousand dollars. Pequeña accepts the terms. Alvaro doubts that Pequeña can raise enough money without help from someone in the United States and warns her that the coyote will not take kindly to deception. Pequeña, however, plans to pay the coyote with the diamond ring from Rey. Three days later, Alvaro says they will be driven to Nogales that night, where a coyote will start the desert crossing in the almost-total darkness of the new moon with the seven of them: Alvaro, Nilsa, Nene, the two brothers, Pequeña, and Pulga. Carlita fixes a feast for dinner and they all prepare by packing and praying.

A white van comes to the shelter to take them away at dusk. When Pequeña tries to pay with the engagement ring, the driver refuses. She tells the driver that it is worth more than five thousand and after he studies the ring, he accepts it as payment. Padre Gonzalez blesses them before they board the van. The driver pays off various checkpoints as they drive toward the desert. Finally, he pulls off and introduces another man named Gancho who will lead them for three nights across the desert.