Summary

Violeta describes her various vacations with Roy. Several times a year, they explore the United States in Roy’s mobile home. Violeta states simply, “I loved him so dearly” (264). After finishing one of their road trips, Violeta learns that Roy has cancer. She travels to Los Angeles and comforts him as he dies. In the subsequent years, Violeta grows close with the other women whose loved ones had been found in the mountain cave. These women “taught [Violeta] that courage is contagious” (271). Anton Kusanovic’s young daughter, Mailén, impresses Violeta with her feminism.

Harald Fiske moves to Violet’s home country. He becomes her “best friend and constant companion” (274). Camilo, meanwhile, idolizes the French priest who had discovered the bodies in the mountain cave. He becomes a troublemaker at school. Etelvina teases Violeta about her relationship with Harald; Violeta confronts Harald about...