Lena recalls having told her daughter Turtle never to get involved with men who act like children. In spite of this advice, Turtle finds herself just such a man, and ends up chasing after Everardo, who is alcohol dependent and serially absent. The two have a child, Ever, and as the narrative begins Turtle, Everardo, and Ever are driving south from their home in Oklahoma to visit Everardo’s family, whom he has not seen in a decade, in Aldama, Chihuahua, Mexico. Lucia and Javier, Everardo’s parents, are overjoyed to see him, his wife, and their grandson. Turtle, Everardo, and Ever spend time with Everardo’s parents and meet several other members of the family before heading back to Oklahoma.

On the way, three Mexican police officers stop them. Turtle is immediately afraid, and the officers confirm her fears when they steal money from Everardo and ask if he is transporting anything illegal in the car. Although he explains that he is just trying to bring his family home, the officers search the vehicle and threaten to sell it and all of Everardo and Turtle’s belongings. When one of the officers tries to take Everardo’s boots, he lashes out, kicking the man in the knee.