Summary

At the start of Chapter 17, “The Ball,” Kazumasa and his ball have just arrived at the Matacao. Kazumasa feels himself being tugged “by some odd force” (105) towards the sheet of rock, at which point both J.B. and Kazumasa realize that the ball has “some undeniable attraction to the large slab” (105). While J.B. is excited at the possibility of using the ball to find other, yet-uncovered deposits of matacao plastic, Kazumasa is distraught at the realization that the ball has “a family of [its] own” (106). Kazumasa vows to return the ball to its family.

After receiving a phone call, J.B. rushes out onto the balcony in time to see Chico Paco finish his pilgrimage to the matacao. He is surrounded by a crowd of people. J.B. and Kazumasa watch the television broadcast showing Chico Paco...