Gods of Jade and Shadow

Chapter 3 relays much of what happens in Chapters 1 and 2 from Martín’s self-important perspective. As the only son of his grandfather’s only son, Martín’s status in the home and town allows him freedom and status. No one questions him except Casiopea, and her skepticism is like “a splash of acid in the young man’s face” (28). The last two days before Casiopea’s departure show Martín complaining about Casiopea to cover up his frustration at not feeling more confident in himself. He criticizes how long it takes her to deliver his cigarettes and chastises her about polishing his boots to deflect negative attention away from himself.

The night before the trip to the cenote, Martín goes to a social event with some other men in town. He arrives home drunk and apologizes to Casiopea for his earlier behavior without admitting his part in what happened. He asks if she wants him to speak to Grandfather about the next day’s trip. Casiopea snaps that she doesn’t and leaves. Unaware that his attitude and insufficient apology are to blame, Martín blames Casiopea for everything and then goes “to bed without regrets” (32).