Part 2, Pages 289 – 324 Summary

Isabel discusses the fact that Paula is now in her home. A hospital bed and all of the necessary medical equipment has been installed in the room where recently a granddaughter, Andrea, was recently born. She is near enough to be where family members can see her and she can smell the aromas emanating from the kitchen. Isabel's mother comes from Chile. She is shocked to see how much further Paula has deteriorated. Paula's hair, which used to reach her waist, has been cut off. She is continuing to lose weight and curl up into a fetal position. Some of the Catholic caretakers refer to her as being stuck in limbo.

Ernesto comes for a visit and for the first time he did not rush to be by his wife's side. He finally seems resolved that Paula will not recover. He...