Dear Esperanza,

I know you are having a rough time with everything that is happening, but I am here for you. Your papa is here for you, and so are your siblings. I am having a rough time too, and I wish we could have a different life. I know that it’s hard for you to watch over Nenny and have a life of your own to have fun and play with your friends. I appreciate everything you do that helps me, and I love you so much. You can be the person that I could never be, and I want you to achieve your dreams. I don’t want you to be trapped like I am, and I know that’s not what you want either. I want you to be free and I want you to do what you’ve always dream of doing. I don’t want to trap you anywhere you don’t want to be, so spread your wings and fly. My sweet little Esperanza has grown up, and I can’t stop you from leaving anymore. You go where you believe you need to go, and leave Mango Street. Even though you are leaving to be free, I am still trapped here. Please, visit me Esperanza and show me how free you are when you have left me. I love you and don’t ever forget about where you came from.

Love,

Mama