Summary

Summer arrived in “River,” and Father and Mamadre had packed their belongings for their family trip to Puerto Saavedra. Mamadre allowed Neftalí to bring some books with him but insisted that Father expected him to play outdoors. Rodolfo could not join them because of his commitment to work at the local hardware store. When Neftalí suggested that Uncle Orlando accompany them instead, Mamadre explained that he was organizing an arts and crafts fair for the Mapuche, which Mamadre supported by sending money to buy a blanket. When Laurita told Neftalí that she was afraid of the ocean per Rodolfo’s warnings, Neftalí assured her that they need not enter the ocean, rather just admire it.

Mamadre woke them in the night to begin their travels. Neftalí could not return to sleep in his excitement and “anticipation” (144). He wondered whether Father would change this...