Though Isabel knows that as the eldest daughter, she must shoulder the family burdens during her mother's illness, she cannot quell the surge of resentment that these new responsibilities bring. In the opening chapter, Castañeda paints a vivid picture: "She was the oldest child. She had duties. She was already at an age where marriage was expected, not idle desires to become a teacher. Sometimes, however, the duties were too much for her. She didn't feel smart enough or old enough to handle everything. Not yet, anyway." As Manuela's health declines, Isabel battles with shame. Instead of focusing solely on her mother's plight, she's consumed by her own bitterness and despair. When Eziquel, the healer, praises Manuela for having a daughter like Isabel to manage things, Isabel is struck by the harsh reality: "His words opened for Isabel the floodgate of her dread of never returning to school. . . . She would be doomed to care for her family until they all moved away or died. Even marriage would be postponed."

Caught in the crossfire between guilt and her own suffering, Isabel confesses her selfishness. Yet, the priest reassures her that such feelings are entirely normal, urging her not to be too harsh on herself. He affirms that she is dutifully fulfilling her role as a good daughter and need not carry the burden of shame. Despite his consoling words, her guilt remains unshaken.

Isabel frequently observes the birds soaring above her, yearning "to become a bird with the power to fly away from the problems not only of her village but within her family." While she covets a carefree existence, she understands that maturity brings with it a new set of obligations. By the tale's end, Isabel discovers that freedom and responsibility are not necessarily at odds. In taking charge of her life and candidly discussing her seemingly unattainable dreams of teaching with Lucas, she experiences a newfound sense of freedom. In the story's closing, Isabel and Lucas focus only on the hope "nestled among the volcanoes of Guatemala, carrying a secret pair of wings." Embracing her duties as a grown woman, Isabel finally finds her wings.

In the tapestry of Castañeda's novel, characters find themselves ensnared in life's formidable decisions. Isabel, a beacon of resilience, chooses to perform her duties without complaint, even as desperation gnaws at her core. Her reflections on her mother, Manuela, reveal a legacy of choices steeped in familial love. Manuela, unwavering and selfless, endures personal loss and sacrifices without ever seeking reward. Isabel comes to see motherhood as a relentless journey—a path devoid of rest stops or accolades, where fellow travelers remain silent companions. Manuela's steadfastness surfaces poignantly when she rejects the doctor's tests in Sololá, electing to endure her illness rather than submit to Western medicine's scrutiny. Her choice, heavy with consequence, stands in stark contrast as Alfredo and Eziquel later decide to intervene, unwilling to remain passive with the potential saving power of Western medicine at their disposal.

Allan approaches his decisions from a distinct perspective, distant from the Mayan villagers' worldview. As a member of the Western realm, he follows in his father's footsteps, venturing into Guatemala to enhance medical care. Yet, his grasp of their cultural intricacies is tenuous, leaving him startled when his intentions are met with suspicion and resentment. His boldest decision unfolds when he hands Isabel medicine for Manuela, aware that it might not be a cure. The stakes are high; if the medicine proves unsuitable—due to Manuela's refusal to undergo diagnostic tests—it could harm her, jeopardizing any future acceptance of Allan or Western medicine by the...