In winter, Yunior, Rafa and Mami arrive in New Jersey from the Dominican Republic. They are reunited with Papi, who has been working in the U.S. and who sent for them after five years apart. Yunior feels he doesn’t know him and is defiant, stating, “Had I known my father even a little I might not have turned my back on him” (122).

Papi is disappointed that Yunior cannot tie his shoelaces properly. Papi tells the barber to shave Yunior’s head bald, despite how cold it is outside. Papi is very authoritative and doesn’t let the boys go outside to play all winter. Sometimes Yunior sneaks out for a few minutes. Most of the time, they stay cooped up inside watching TV in order to learn English. Their mom performs domestic duties. Yunior says, “Mami cleaned everything about ten times and made us some damn elaborate lunches. We were all bored speechless” (123).

Mami is terribly lonely and begs Papi to bring friends over for dinner. One night during a snowstorm, Papi calls to say he’s not coming home. Yunior and Rafa chase Mami outside in the snow. There, they see the landfill and the ocean for the first time.