Summary

In Chapter 9, the narrator considers asking Tomas what he thinks about Xavier’s odd reading habits but decides against it. Even still, she feels confused by and frustrated with Xavier’s mysterious activities.

One morning, the narrator broaches the topic of Xavier over breakfast with Tomas. She remarks on his many odd new behaviors. Tomas suggests that Xavier is “not really comfortable” at home because he is constantly worried about pleasing the narrator (131). The narrator is stunned, convinced that it is Tomas’s approval Xavier has always wanted. Tomas goes on to meditate on how their home life has changed since Xavier returns. He thinks things are better with Xavier around, because his and the narrator’s “little rituals” are how “people grow old without noticing” (133). He then emphasizes the importance of Xavier’s writing practice, which he wants to help him...