Subsequent to moving into a new neighborhood, Esperanza’s lack of friends leaves Esperanza feeling desolate and longing for a best friend to share everything of hers, but without such friend, she compares herself to a red balloon for standing out and not being able to blend in with the neighbors.
After moving into the new neighborhood, Esperanza has not yet been successful in finding long-term friends, however when Lucy and Rachel offer to be Esperanza’s friend forever and that Esperanza can also