Why has the author set this story in winter? Mr. Lopez sits at the bed watching Mrs. Lopez sleep. He gently strokes her wrinkled hand and touches the wedding ring she has worn for fifty years. Outside snows falls like a blanket over the Earth but Mr. Lopez does not see it. He only sees his wife and waits for her to wake.

Mrs. Lopez opens her eyes slowly and whispers, “Tesoro, I cannot see the window. Tell me about the day.”

Mr. Lopez does not look away from her and says, “It is beautiful spring day, my love. I see the garden where we meet each day by the tulips, to hide from your mother!” Mrs. Lopez laughs quietly and falls to sleep.

Later, Mrs. Lopez wakes again and asks, “Tell me Tesoro, what do you see outside, is it a beautiful day?”

Mr. Lopez looks at his wife and answers, “Oh yes, it is a perfect summer day. Our children are swimming and splashing in the pool. They are having such fun!” Mrs. Lopez smiles then sleeps.

Much later, Mrs. Lopez again opens her eyes. Her voice is very quiet now so Mr. Lopez leans down to hear her. “Tell me about the day”, she whispers.

Mr. Lopez holds her hand firmly, “The Fall sky is bright blue. The orange and red leaves shine in the sun. Your apple pie fills our house with a wonderful smell and tomorrow the grandchildren will come for Thanksgiving!”

Mrs. Lopez closes her eyes and her husband waits patiently for her to wake but her hand grows cold. He looks away from her for the first time and out the window. The heavy snow has erased the Earth and trees as a tired sun fades away.

to symbolize the end of his wife's life

to symbolize the couple's marriage

to create a more descriptive setting

to add an element of conflict to the scene