The mood shifts in the region on the success of the Cuban revolution. Minerva and Manolo raise their two children in Monte Cristi; there, they are visited by old companions, including Pierre, who inform them of a plot to oust Trujillo. Petán reveals his true feelings to Arantxa, and proposes to take her away from the violence. In 1999, Arantxa anxiously weighs over an invitation to New York.