The setting of (Cibola to San Miguel) is the valley of Mesilla during WW H. Four year-old Modesto is left by his parents during the war with his great grandmother, Pilar, and ultimately spends the next five-years under he care. The war ends and a year later Pilar dies. His parents finally return and instead of staying home decided to leave for ""Califas"" and away from the place, Modesto has come to know as home.