reader is introduced to Rodolfo as he arrives in Villaverde after years away. He experiences a mix of excitement and anxiety as he recalls the landscapes of his youth, pondering the changes in his family’s situation and the memory of his deceased parents. The scene is rich in sensory details, from the smell of the countryside to the vivid descriptions of the town's settings. Rodolfo's tías, who raised him after being orphaned, await his return, but he soon learns of their financial struggles and deteriorating health, adding to the novel's poignant atmosphere. As he reconnects with his past, including the enchanting yet elusive Angelina, a young woman serving his tías, the stage is set for a tale of romantic idealism intertwined with the harsh realities of life. (This is an automatically generated summary.)