Chapters 21-26 Summary

Amabelle remembers the handmade Christmas lanterns of her childhood and how the hills were full of paper lanterns, "shaped to the desires of their hearts." Her father says a lantern is like a kite that can't fly and Amabelle asks him to create for her a lantern of his face, so she can always carry it with her. Amabelle clings to the memories left to her of her parents and happy childhood, as the present becomes almost unbearable to her.

The baptism of Rosalinda takes place in the chapel of Father Vargas alongside other babies, some of which have been named Raphael in honor of the Generalissimo. After the ceremony Juana presents a great feast to the neighbors and hungry peasants who gather in the yard. After the feast Kongo shows up quietly at Amabelle's little room. He brings her a...