In the beautiful hills of the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua, Mexico, a young boy (Emilio) is adopted by the mailman (Teo). As part of their daily tasks, they not only deliver the mail but read letters to the villagers, as well as take dictation, since most are illiterate. Young Emilio quickly learns to read and write but feels saddened by the mostly difficult stories sent by relatives, that moved north to Denver, Colorado in pursuit of a better future. One day Teo becomes disabled and Emilio takes over the mail route and with great imagination, he changes the letters to happy and optimistic stories. Within days, the village is transformed. The elders, once hopeless, lonely and sad, are now happy and enthusiastic, enjoying the "supposed" success their loved ones write from the United States. But the enjoyment is short lived, as they realize that all the wonderful stories are the same, a product of Emilio's imagination. During this same period, Emilio meets a young girl named Elena and they have an innocent friendship that becomes their first love.
Letters to Elena
Young Emilio and and his stepfather deliver mail as well as read and write letters for most of the illiterate villagers. Emilio changes some letters to optimistic stories from sad stories. Emilio then falls for a young girl named Elena.
