Sila Tekin, a sixth-grade Turkish-American student, initially embodies brightness and curiosity, surrounded by a circle of friends. However, her world shifts dramatically when her mother is deported to Turkey. Sila's sense of loss and abandonment permeates her daily life, leading to withdrawal from her usual activities and friends. The burden of guilt weighs heavily on her shoulders as she blames herself for her family's troubles and feels powerless to alter their circumstances. Mrs. Holsing observes Sila's stark transformation, noting her once-vibrant classroom presence replaced by a quiet demeanor and solitary lunches. Even newcomer Gio recognizes the sadness etched on Sila's face.

Despite her sadness, the Connections program facilitator describes Sila as curious, determined, considerate, independent, sensitive, and empathetic. However, Sila's self-perception is clouded by cynicism, and she is unable to fathom any positive attributes amid her overwhelming guilt. Her isolation from friends and avoidance of social interactions reflect her deep-seated anguish and longing for her mother's return.

However, through acts of caregiving, Sila embarks on a journey of self-forgiveness and healing. Initially, she takes on her mother's responsibilities to support her father. She takes care of Mateo, accepting his differences and explaining them to others to prevent misunderstandings. Caring for Veda, the circus elephant, becomes a catalyst for Sila's emotional recovery, offering solace and purpose amid her grief and trauma.