A Handful of Stars

Twelve-year-old Lily chases after her dog, Lucky, who has slipped out of his collar and darted into the blueberry barrens of a local farm. Concerned about Lucky’s safety due to his blindness, Lily tries calling him using food but struggles to catch his attention. A passing truck driver warns Lily to leave the bushes, prompting her to explain the situation. Salma Santiago, a girl of similar age and part of the migrant workers at the farm, overhears their conversation. Using her sandwich and a bag of chips, Salma successfully stops Lucky. After Lily expresses her gratitude, Salma returns to her work, raking blueberries in the barrens.

Lily confides in her grandmother, Mémère, about Lucky eating Salma’s sandwich. Mémère scolds Lily and instructs her to make amends by bringing Salma a pork pie. Accompanied by her grandfather, Pépère, Lily walks back to the migrant camp to find Salma. She feels out of place during her visit as workers see her and Pépère entering. Pépère reaches out to Miguel, an acquaintance, who guides them to the Santiagos’ cabin, where they meet Eduardo and Rosa, Salma’s parents. Observing the modest and empty state of Salma’s cabin, Lily realizes their gift might be impractical without an oven or refrigerator.