personal struggles. At the start of the novel, Regina arrives at the Lazaretto of San Simón after a journey from overseas, filled with a mix of excitement and melancholy. As she disembarks, she conveys a complicated emotional state—expressing joy that is intermingled with sadness as she reflects on her connection to her homeland and the recent death of her brother. The narrative unfolds with Regina's interactions with fellow travelers, a tender yet strained relationship with her brother, and her initial resistance to the demands of adulthood. The opening chapters set the stage for Regina's inner conflicts and aspirations, as she seeks to reconcile her past with her hopes for the future. (This is an automatically generated summary.)