[6] The story takes place in the outskirts of Mexico City in Bordo de Xochiaca (a landfill), where a girl Esmeralda 12 years old who is always "disheveled and dirty" like a "Stray Cat" (una "Gata").

She was raised from childhood by an elderly woman named Mrs. Rita who exploited her by making her go ask alms, sell candy and newspapers.

She meets Pablo Martínez Negrete, a high society rich boy who teaches her to read and write and with whom she becomes friends.

Several years later, Esmeralda grows up and becomes a beautiful young woman who still does not read nor write and has not changed since childhood.

Pablo is pushed to fall in love with Mónica a girl who comes from "a good social position" and is also his "cousin".

Garabato and the gang scare of the men and force open the trunk and find Esmeralda wrapped in the blanket.

Doña Rita who has always sought to benefit from "La Gata" forces her to marry Domenico "El Italiano" Almontem.

Fernando "El Silencioso" gets out of jail and vows to take revenge on those who locked him up injustly for using self-defense.