This part of Echo introduces us to Ivy Maria Lopez, who lives in La Colonia, in Fresno County, California. She walks with her mother, wearing a jacket that belongs to her older brother, Fernando, who is in the army. She is practicing for a harmonica solo that will be broadcast on the radio. Her mother scolds her for having her “head in the clouds” (372). As she runs out the door to meet her best friend, Araceli, her father stops her; he has just received a letter offering him a supervisory role at a farm in Orange County, and the family will be moving.

Ivy looks for Araceli. The two girls both moved around frequently and came to La Colonia with their respective families the same week. Upon finding her friend, Ivy must announce her departure. Back at home, her parents make plans to leave the following morning, and she realizes she will not get to say goodbye to her teacher, much less play her harmonica solo. She laments the loss of a musical opportunity, and her parents tell her she must become more serious and recognize the opportunity for their family.