What binds the family together is love. I know this because Esperanza talks about he smell of her mom's hair. For her to smell her mom's hair she needs to be held by her mom with love, not just a simple hug. She alos stated she fely safe with her mom. Also, when she goes to sleep with her mom and her mom scoots over leaving the spot warm. I also know she feels love with the smell of her mom's hair because when i was tiny I remember being held by my mom and telling her her hair smelled good, also feeling safe no matter what was going on around us.
