Make Your Home Among Strangers

At home, Leidy is more forthcoming about Mami’s obsession than Lizet anticipates. Leidy reveals that Mami is working part-time now, and nearly lost her job from not showing up and calling in. They talk about Lizet’s internship, and Leidy is relieved to hear that Lizet is coming home for the summer.

The girls go downstairs to try to coax Mami home; Mami is wearing all black, standing at the prayer vigil. She greets Lizet enthusiastically, seeing it as a sign from God that she is there. Leidy becomes jealous—Mami had often ignored her when she interrupted her during vigils: “You know how many times I came down here to ask her something and she acts like she can’t hear me?” (330). Leidy ignores Lizet for the rest of the day until Mami comes home to shower. She asks Lizet to come with her to the all-night prayer circle, and Lizet agrees, hoping to persuade Mami to come home. Leidy warns her not to go, but when Lizet pushes her away, Leidy gets angry, takes the car, and leaves the house, with Dante.