Bless Me, Ultima

The following morning, the family sets off for El Puerto for another harvest season, and Gabriel joins them for the first time. On the drive, Antonio contemplates whether there is any god who never punishes and always forgives: He decides that the Virgin might fit this description. Antonio then considers his enduring anger at Tenorio and begins to understand why God does not forgive everyone.

In El Puerto, there is a rumor swirling that the remaining Trementinas will soon perform a black mass over the deceased’s sister’s casket. Antonio dreams of the ritual, but instead of the Trementina daughter, he sees Ultima in a coffin.

Upon waking, Antonio witnesses the Trementina funeral procession outside. Tenorio has been cast out of the community and excommunicated from the church, so he must bury his daughter in unholy ground, condemning her soul. Tenorio glares at Ultima, silently swearing revenge.

At the end of the summer, Juan Luna asks Antonio to return to El Puerto alone the following year to learn the lifestyle of the Lunas.

School begins again. On the way into town, Antonio meets Samuel and tells him about seeing the golden carp. Samuel warns him that the same people who condemn Ultima will condemn him if they find out about his belief.