Rosaura's mother is perceived by others as financially unfortunate, as she works as a maid for the family of Rosaura's best friend, Luciana. The mother's economic situation plays a fundamental role in the way the protagonist is treated throughout the story. In an illustrative incident, the protagonist is invited to Luciana's birthday party where Luciana's mother, Senora Inez, treats Rosaura according to her mother's employment status. During her friend's party, Rosaura does her best to lend a hand, wanting to be a helpful friend. Unfortunately, Ms. Inez perceives her as an employee. He pays Rosaura for her presence and help instead of showering her with gifts similar to how he treats other guests. Heker writes in her story: “[Mrs. Inez] rummaged through her bag. Two bills appeared in his hand. 'You have truly earned it,' he said, handing them over [to Rosaura]” (Heker 4). Rosaura is shocked and upset to discover that she has been treated like a worker simply because of her mother's social status. She vehemently believed that she deserved to be treated as a friend of Luciana, rather than one of Senora Inez's maid's family members. The money Senora Ines pays Rosaura symbolizes Rosaura's lower social status, simply attributed to her mother's work as a maid. By paying Rosaura, Mrs. Ines implies that her family has a higher social status than Rosaura's family. Rosaura and the other children in the story are treated prejudicially based on the social and economic conditions of their family