Kiss of the Spider Woman

Molina is singing a song, when Valentin receives a letter from his girlfriend that explains that his comrade has been killed on behalf of the cause. He relays this information, written in code, to Molina. Valentin explains that his political group refuses to engage in intimate relationships, in case they have to sacrifice themselves. His first girlfriend, Marta, joined the cause with him, but later left it, and they separated. Valentin is thinking of her now, as he mourns the loss of his comrade.

Still sick from the food, Valentin evacuates himself, which Molina helps clean up. As he gets weaker, Valentin starts to open up to Molina, but in such pain, he decides to get the guard to let him out. Molina offers another sheet, preventing him from leaving the cell. Valentin gets diarrhea and Molina cleans it up. 

Puig includes a report from the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic detailing Molina and Valentin’s time in the penitentiary. Sentenced in 1974, Molina was transferred to live with Valentin in 1975. Valentin has been detained since 1972 and at one time served solitary confinement.