This Is Happiness

Christy is preparing to approach Annie Mooney, and he meticulously cleans and prepares his blue suit as if it were armor. He tries to flatten his belly and improve his appearance. Noe, lying in bed reading, observes Christy’s comical attempts at exercise and recognizes the balance between comedy and poignancy in Christy’s character. The narration reflects that Christy, a man in his 60s, faces physical limitations and ailments that were rarely discussed at the time. Undeterred, Christy continues his exercises and feels a sense of well-being afterward. He plans to attend multiple Masses the next day to catch a glimpse of Annie and asks Noe to watch for any signs of recognition from her. However, Noe refuses to go to church, expressing disbelief in God. Christy discourages such thoughts, fearing divine retribution. Christy expresses faith despite Noe’s skepticism and determines that “wonders [are] coming for Noe and Christy” (122).

Noe and Christy attend the Easter Sunday Mass in St. Cecelia’s church, hoping to get Annie (Mrs. Gaffney) to notice Christy. Easter morning in Faha is serene and peaceful, with the sun shining and the countryside in harmony with the feast day. Noe and Christy ride their bicycles to the church, where they are enveloped in the scent of Easter lilies.