Chapter Nine Summary

The next morning, it is a morning like every other morning except that Kato waits longer than usual at the piano for Roxane and Mr. Hosokawa remains peacefully asleep on the floor in his usual spot. Finally, at 8:15, there is still no typical activity. Beatriz disapproves of the late-night activities, but does not let on with Carmen and instead relishes having this knowledge that she can use at any time, like unused money.

Suddenly, someone else begins to sing a cappella. It is a lovely voice, vaguely familiar. It is Cesar who has decided to sing to replace Roxane who has not yet come downstairs and his imitation of her is uncanny. His fellow soldiers laugh at him, but Cesar continues on because his love of the music is far more important than his fellow comrades' reactions. However, as he is...