Nena becomes an orphan at the tender age of 10. Shortly after her mother's death, Nena falls into the hands of Don Pacheco, a wealthy yet mentally unstable man idolized as the town's admired benefactor.

"NENA" takes place in a small town in Durango, Mexico where Mexicans and Mennonites live side by side but rarely mingle. Nena is a young girl living with her single mother, Florencia, who does everything in her power to give Nena a good life. Florencia places Nena in a private Catholic school, gives her love and teaches her values. Florencia dies very young, leaving Nena an orphan at the tender age of 10. Nena ends up in the hands of Don Pacheco, a wealthy yet mentally unstable pharmacist who the town admires.