How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water

Angie Cruz presents the motifs of astrology, fate, and dreams as coping mechanisms that Cara uses to deal with her uncertainty, even as she struggles with Maintaining Hope in the American Dream. Cara’s unwavering belief in the dubious claims of Alicia the Psychic is not a sign of her naiveté; instead, they indicate her hope for a better life. Like many Latinx people, Cara values the positive affirmations and optimistic predictions of the Puerto Rican astrologer and cultural personality, Walter Mercado, and she accepts that forces beyond human power govern the universe. This cosmic worldview works to reduce the power of the social and economic forces that threaten her on a daily basis, and she finds comfort in the idea that fate moves in cycles. Cara understands that just like the planets or the seasons, her situation is in constant motion, and she holds out hope that her luck will soon change for the better. Although she is skeptical enough not to send money to Alicia the Psychic, following the woman’s advice does not lead her to harm; on the contrary, it eases her worries. Although Lissette is skeptical about Cara’s determination to ignore employment opportunities because Mercury is in retrograde, it is also clear that Cara has made a rational decision to avoid employment that would remove her from her community support.