Fourteen-year-old Evelyn Serrano, frustrated by her mother’s persistent offers of breakfast, prepares for her first day of work. Despite her mother’s insistence, she rejects the expectation that she will work at the family bodega and opts to work in a nearby shop instead. When her mother calls her by her given name, Rosa, she insists on being called Evelyn. She views her room as her sanctuary from her mother’s presence and tacky decorations. Frustrated by her unruly curly hair, she smooths out her fringe before leaving. Her mother offers her money, but Evelyn declines, determined to make her own way.

As Evelyn walks through El Barrio, she encounters familiar sights and an overwhelming smell of garbage. She crosses paths with Angel Santiago, an old acquaintance, who joins her on her walk despite her reluctance. Annoyed by Angel’s antics, Evelyn’s frustration peaks when he playfully throws a water balloon at her, dampening her fringe. She continues to work, and her manager, Mr. Simpson, assigns her to the makeup counter, partnering her with Lydia, a Dominican colleague. Despite Lydia’s attempts to connect, Evelyn lies about her Spanish proficiency in order to avoid conversation. While buying a snow cone from Angel’s father, Señor Santiago, on her way home, Evelyn witnesses him receive a summons from a police officer for selling without a license.