Ariela lives in a decrepit apartment in Old Havana, where like many others, she faces daily power outages and a lack of basic necessities. Her parents, who are both elderly and ill, live just outside the city, and the ongoing electricity cuts have made it difficult for her father, who relies on oxygen for breathing, to maintain his health. With the entire country experiencing blackouts lasting twelve to fifteen hours a day, Ariela feels compelled to bring her parents into Havana, despite it being a seemingly futile endeavor due to the same conditions affecting the urban setting.

The situation in Cuba has reached critical levels with not only electricity shortages but also a dire lack of fuel. The country has been unable to import oil for three months, leading to increased silence and inactivity across the country, as transportation options dwindle. Ariela's attempts to help her family are complicated by these realities, reflecting a broader struggle faced by many Cubans who are grappling with the deteriorating infrastructure and social systems.

This narrative of desperation is emblematic of the larger Cuban crisis, raising questions about potential international assistance and the government's ability to cope with these challenges. Ariela's story highlights the personal toll on families, the creative yet desperate measures they consider just to care for their loved ones, and the urgent need for solutions to restore essential services and improve living conditions in Cuba.