A Syrian man who lives in Mexico travels back to his village of Morelia. On the bus, he sees a girl, Marta, with a large basket and offers her the seat beside him. She is hesitant, but sits down. That morning, Marta's mother had told her, through tears, that she would be sent away to a hacienda for young girls, owned by a man named Angel Castro. Her father interrupted her mother before she could explain why, but Marta believes it is her religious duty to go. The Syrian man knows Angel Castro and that his hacienda is for prostitutes. Marta is only fourteen years old. After some time, the bus comes across a burning bridge. The passengers have to exit the bus and cross the river themselves. After Marta and the Syrian man cross, he takes her to see Patzcuaro lake and tells her it is bigger than the ocean. On the bank, the Syrian man tells Marta about Jesus and his apostles. Marta explains that her father beat her and her mother because Jesus hated them for their sins. The Syrian man tells her that Jesus loves her, and they share an orange. Marta begins to sob uncontrollably, overwhelmed by the Syrian's man comfort. They arrive at Morelia where Angel Castro awaits Marta. The Syrian man leaves in a taxi and arrives home to his wife.