Elena and Roberto After the Funeral

Elena Knows

Their post-funeral connection is marked by practical assistance, uncomfortable grief, and Elena's difficulty accepting the man Rita loved.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Funeral Palm The Funeral Palm from "Elena Knows". A Gift Left Aside Roberto's offering Roberto sends a palm frond marked as a friend's tribute.

A Gift Left Aside Roberto's offering Roberto sends a palm frond marked as a friend's tribute. Elena places it behind the other wreaths rather than in Rita's hands. Suspicion of the wording She suspects Mimí chose “friend” to avoid calling her adult son Rita's boyfriend. Elena remains invested in policing a relationship she never fully accepted.

The Pension Deposit The Pension Deposit from "Elena Knows". A Necessary Favor Roberto offers help He offers to deposit Elena's pension so her illness will not force her to wait in line.

The Pension Deposit from "Elena Knows". A Necessary Favor Roberto offers help He offers to deposit Elena's pension so her illness will not force her to wait in line.

A Necessary Favor Roberto offers help He offers to deposit Elena's pension so her illness will not force her to wait in line. She accepts despite telling him to go to hell. Dependence without trust The arrangement shows how grief removes the person who handled everyday errands. Elena's practical reliance on Roberto coexists with her personal rejection of him.

A Visit Ends A Visit Ends from "Elena Knows". Elena Sets a Boundary His grief enters the house Roberto visits and cries about Rita.

Elena Sets a Boundary His grief enters the house Roberto visits and cries about Rita. Elena tells him not to come by anymore, though she acknowledges the request is not because of him alone. Sympathy refused His sadness does not make Elena trust his view that Rita was depressed. She wants answers, not shared mourning that repeats the official account.

The Bank Encounter The Bank Encounter from "Elena Knows". A Brief Exchange A familiar face Roberto greets Elena near the bank and says he has deposited her check. He mentions that he and Mimí miss Rita.

The Bank Encounter from "Elena Knows". A Brief Exchange A familiar face Roberto greets Elena near the bank and says he has deposited her check. He mentions that he and Mimí miss Rita.

A Brief Exchange A familiar face Roberto greets Elena near the bank and says he has deposited her check. He mentions that he and Mimí miss Rita. The past intrudes Elena is tempted to think about Rita's final day at the salon but forces herself onward. She cannot afford to lose the train to memories or condolence.

The Question of Kinship The Question of Kinship from "Elena Knows". Alone in the Taxi A stranger asks The taxi driver asks whether Elena has anyone to help her. She says she is alone and that her daughter was killed.

The Question of Kinship from "Elena Knows". Alone in the Taxi A stranger asks The taxi driver asks whether Elena has anyone to help her. She says she is alone and that her daughter was killed.

Alone in the Taxi A stranger asks The taxi driver asks whether Elena has anyone to help her. She says she is alone and that her daughter was killed. A connection through absence Roberto is among the people who could help, yet Elena's answer reflects her sense that no one can occupy Rita's place. Assistance cannot restore the relationship she lost.

During Rita's wake

In the days after Rita's death

After Roberto cries in Elena's kitchen

Morning of Elena's journey

During Elena's ride toward Isabel's