Having abducted Hana from her adoptive family, Michiko is on the run from the law when she runs out of gas. Hot in pursuit is Atsuko, a police sergeant and acquaintance of Michiko's from childhood, and the one who put her in jail in the first place.

In the town of Perna, famous for its weeping Maria statue, Hatchin is traveling alone and low on money. She befriends a young girl from the local circus named Rita, who is infatuated with her adult performing partner, and desperate to grow up.

After being demoted, Atsuko is reassigned to Ilha Azul, a small town on the edge of the jungle. There, she befriends Vanessa Lee, a girl who reminds her of her younger self, and who, like her, wants to get out of town and move on with her life.

Michiko and Hatchin make their way into São Paraíso, and happen upon one of Hiroshi's old business associates. When Michiko becomes forlorn after finding out that Hiroshi had not mentioned her, Hatchin comes up with a plan to cheer Michiko up again.

The local police force closes in on Michiko and Hatchin, out to frame Michiko to clear themselves of their own wrongdoing. Michiko and Hatchin have an intense standoff with the police captain. Atsuko and Ricardo arrive to take Michiko into custody.