Maria and Anita's Friendship

This flow follows the friendship between Maria Nunez and Anita Palacio as mutual care is tested by love, bereavement, and violence.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Sewing and Teasing

Sewing and Teasing Close Companions Anita Palacio helps Maria Nunez alter her dress and teases her about marriage and romance. Their joking allows Maria to speak openly about her uncertainty over Chino Martin. Care in Small Choices Anita helps Maria prepare to attend the dance despite Bernardo's expectations. Her support gives Maria room to express a wish of her own.

A Friend Watches the Change

A Friend Watches the Change A New Love Anita sees Maria Nunez respond to Tony Wyzek with a feeling unlike her affection for Chino Martin. The change is visible even before Maria tells her what has happened. Speaking Against Control Anita argues with Bernardo when he tries to police Maria's behavior. Her loyalty to her friend pushes her to challenge her own lover.

Protecting Maria's Secret

Protecting Maria's Secret An Uneasy Confidante Anita knows that Tony Wyzek and Maria Nunez plan to meet despite the danger. She warns them that others will oppose their relationship but does not simply abandon Maria. Friendship Under Strain Maria's choice threatens to divide Anita's loyalties between her friend and Bernardo. Anita's concern is sincere, though she cannot control what the lovers decide.

Grief Breaks Their Trust

Grief Breaks Their Trust Anger at Maria After Bernardo dies, Anita condemns Maria for remaining with Tony Wyzek. She sees Maria's love as an intolerable disregard for the brother Anita also loved. Recognition of Shared Pain Anita admits that she loved Bernardo. Her grief does not erase her understanding of Maria, but at first it is too raw to let that understanding guide her actions.

A Warning Turned False

A Warning Turned False Attempt to Help Anita goes to Doc's drugstore hoping to warn Tony's circle that Chino Martin is armed and hunting him. There, she is threatened and assaulted by the Jets. Friendship's Cost After escaping, Anita lies that Maria is dead. Her grief and fury make the lie possible, but it cuts off Tony's hope and contributes to Maria's final bereavement.

Before the municipal dance

At the municipal dance

The afternoon before the duel

After the duel

At Doc's drugstore