Neftalí is now 11 years old and still the skinniest and weakest boy in his class. He is approached by Guillermo, a bully, who wants help writing a love letter to the girl he likes. Guillermo knows Neftalí is good with words, so he tells him to write the kinds of things girls want to hear, but sign Guillermo’s name to it. It’s for Blanca, the same girl Neftalí likes. He knows if he doesn’t write the letter, or if it fails to impress Blanca, Guillermo will make his life miserable.

Having never written a love letter, Neftalí reads the letters in Mamadre’s trunk for inspiration. They’re written by someone named Enrique, addressed to a Maria, and full of beautiful, memorable sentiments. Neftalí hasn’t experienced the kind of love in Enrique’s letters, but he does love Laurita, Uncle Orlando, Rodolfo, and most of all, Mamadre. He practices by writing all the words that express his affection and gratitude for her. Soon, sentences form in his mind that demand to be written.

The letter Neftalí gives to Guillermo is based on Neftalí’s own feelings for Blanca.