The Farming Of Bones

Rosalinda is baptized. After she exits the church, Señora Valencia holds Rosalinda up for Amabelle to kiss, but Señor Pico yanks Señora Valencia and the baby away from Amabelle’s touch. That night, Kongo visits Amabelle, bringing her a papier-mâché mask of Joël’s face as an “offering” (120). She offers him food, which he accepts, and then begins talking about his past, telling Amabelle about his business selling masks and the love he has for his deceased wife. He then reveals that he is there to deliver Sebastien’s marriage proposal. He says Sebastien doesn’t want “to waste more time” after the incident at the ravine and explains he has come in lieu of Sebastien’s dead father (122). He compares Amabelle to Félice, saying he wishes Joël found a woman like Amabelle, instead of Félice. Amabelle defends Félice, but to no avail. Before exiting, Kongo asks if Papi has asked to see him again. When he realizes he hasn’t, he says he is “not surprised […] my son has already vanished from his thoughts” (124).

Amabelle heads to see Sebastien but ends up being pursued by a small group of stonemasons who have formed a “brigade,” in case any of the ruling class attempt to attack them at night.