Olga Dies Dreaming

In a letter to Olga, Blanca—or Mami—argues that time matters to women more than to men. Men waste women’s time. Even when men seem supportive, they often cause women to put their dreams aside. This might feel like being a hero, but it’s really just putting the man first. Blanca mistrusts Olga’s current partner Reggie, a musician. She worries that Olga will put her goals aside for him, adding that Olga’s generation can be liberated from marriage. Mami loved Olga’s father, but she decided to leave him to have more time to work toward liberation. Blanca believes that Reggie is too insecure to ever allow Olga to be unapologetically herself. She’d rather Olga pursue her interest in photography and other ambitions.

To avoid entering the Blumenthal party with Dick, Olga secures Prieto an invitation. This way, Dick won’t get the satisfaction of being seen with her. The night before the party, Olga spends time with Dick. She pities him for trying to garner his sons’ affections by buying a house. She thinks of Matteo and decides that she needs to end things with Dick.

The next morning, at Prieto’s fundraiser, Olga is amazed that her brother remains himself while talking to so many different people.