The story follows a journalist named Rolf Carlé, who covers the aftermath of a devastating volcanic eruption. He arrives at the disaster site and discovers a young girl, Azucena, trapped in a deep pit of mud and debris. Only her head is visible above the surface, and she is unable to free herself. The television cameras capture her helpless state, making her a symbol of the tragedy.

Rolf tries to comfort Azucena while attempting to rescue her. He throws her a rope, but she struggles to grab it. Eventually, he wades into the thick mud, despite the dangers, and reaches her. He secures a rope around her, hoping that volunteers can pull her out. However, when they attempt to lift her, Azucena screams in pain. She reveals that her legs are trapped beneath the rubble, tangled with the bodies of her siblings.

Rolf refuses to give up. He tries different methods, including using poles and levers, but nothing works. Soldiers briefly assist him but must leave to help other victims. Rolf realizes he needs a water pump to drain the mud, but there is no available transport to bring one until the next day.

As night falls, a doctor examines Azucena and confirms that her heart is still strong. Rolf encourages her to hold on, promising that help will come. He feeds her coffee to keep her warm, and they talk. Azucena shares stories about her life, her family, and her school before the disaster. Rolf listens, forming a deep emotional bond with her.

The next day, he tries once again to free her, but the mud remains firm. He feeds her cornmeal mush and bananas, but she vomits it up. A doctor checks on her again, noting that she has developed a fever, but there is little he can do. A priest arrives to bless her and hangs a Virgin Mary medal around her neck. As the day passes, rain begins to fall. Azucena, exhausted and in pain, whispers, “The sky is weeping.” She starts to cry, and Rolf, feeling powerless, silently prays for her suffering to end.

For three days, Rolf stays by Azucena’s side, comforting her and sharing in her pain. He reflects on his own past, childhood traumas, and hidden emotions that he had buried deep within himself. In this moment, he realizes his own vulnerability, something he had ignored for years.

On the third night, Azucena finally loses her strength. With cameras and lights surrounding them, she dies, looking into Rolf’s eyes. Heartbroken, Rolf removes the life buoy from her shoulders, closes her eyes, and holds her one last time before letting go. Her body slowly sinks into the mud, like a delicate flower disappearing into the earth.

The experience leaves Rolf forever changed. He is no longer just a reporter observing tragedy—he has lived through it. The bond he formed with Azucena forces him to confront his own past and emotions, making this experience one of the most profound of his life.