The Farming of Bones

Soon after Rafael’s death, the birthday party planned for Doña Eva becomes his “unofficial wake.” Amabelle notices that there is “a stillness” in Señora Valencia’s eyes, as if she has experienced the “shadow of a lost dream.” It is also clear to Amabelle that Señor Pico wishes to be with his son and hold him in his arms before he must place him in his coffin. Doña Eva, watching the Señor’s face, comments that he and his wife are “very brave.”

Don Ignacio turns on the radio, which interrupts the party abruptly. The broadcast features a song by “La Orquesta Presidente Trujillo,” and is then followed by “three long patriotic songs” and parts of speeches once given by Trujillo. Señor Pico quiets everyone in the room and then turns up the radio’s volume, as if he is “seeking comfort” for his “personal loss.”

The broadcast continues, and Trujillo’s voice sounds “charged with certainty and fervor.” Hearing his words, Señor Pico stands at attention, as if he is ready to “charge across a field of battle.” Many of the partygoers nod their heads “in agreement” as the Generalissimo declares he will fight for his people. After the broadcast ends, the guests disperse, leaving the señor, señora, and their household staff behind.

Señor Pico tries to comfort Señora Valencia while she sobs, but is unable to truly help her. Amabelle, who sees this unfold, believes that the marriage is doomed, as the pair does not comfort each other well enough. Furthermore, they have become “the parents of a dead child,” a “test” of their bond that neither of them anticipated. The señora asks her husband to bury her son’s clothes before they bury his body; he agrees, and then tells her he will soon be leaving for the border to participate in the operation.