Chapter 16 Notes

Return to School

• After Christmas, returned to school.
• Missed walking with Andrew in the mornings.
• Classmates initially curious about Narciso's murder.
• Life seemed unchanged for classmates, but felt older and different.
• Continued typical school activities: racing at the bridge.
• Catechism awaited all.

Reflections and Changes

• Kept mostly to self, less interaction with friends like Jason.
• Internal struggle with understanding justice and evil.
• Questioned why good suffers and evil goes unpunished.

Spiritual Contemplation

• Frequently prayed for answers, felt unheard by God.
• Turned to the Virgin Mary for solace, believed she listened.
• Mother's story about Diego and La Virgen de Guadalupe inspired hope for divine encounters.

Encounter with Tenorio

• Met Tenorio on the way home; frightening encounter.
• Tenorio, under juniper tree, cursed and threatened.
• Claimed Ultima cursed his daughters; vowed to kill her.
• Tenorio's face filled with hate, recalling Narciso's murder.
• Responded to Tenorio with defiance, recalling father's courage.

Ultima's Assurance

• Shared encounter with Ultima.
• Ultima was unafraid of Tenorio, despite his threats.
• Explained Tenorio's guilt-ridden return to the scene of his crime.
• Emphasized lack of absolution without guilt acknowledgment.
• Felt comforted by Ultima’s confidence and strength.

Ongoing Fear and Gratitude

• Continued to have nightmares of Tenorio harming Ultima.
• Checked on Ultima at night, reassured by her presence.
• Deepened appreciation for Ultima's care during sickness.