The Aftermath of Narcisco's Death and the Departures of the Marez Brothers

Discovery of the Body: Antonio’s father found Narcisco's body frozen stiff underneath the Juniper tree.
Legal Accusation: Gabriel went to the sheriff to accuse Tenorio of the crime. However, the sheriff noted that he only had the word of a "small sick boy" to back up the accusation.
The Coroner’s Jury: * The jury gathered at the site under the Juniper tree. * They concluded the cause of death was either accidental or self-inflicted. * The jury members were noted to have hurried away quickly from the cold to return to their homes.
Public Perception: Because Narcisco was considered a "town drunk," public interest in his death was minimal. The town accepted the narrative that he died during one of his drunks.
Antonio’s Reflection on Narcisco: * He described Narcisco as a big and well-meaning man. * While Narcisco drank and cursed like other men, he was ultimately a good man who died attempting to save an old friend. * He possessed the "magic of growth" in his hands, which he passed to the earth. * Following his death, Narcisco’s house became a desert and his garden withered away, with few people remembering his good qualities.

Medical Condition: Following the breaking of his fever, Antonio was bedridden for several days with a diagnosis of "penneumaenia."
The Doctor's Orders: The doctor instructed Antonio’s mother, Maria, that the boy was to receive as much rest as possible.
Ultima’s Care: Ultima remained at Antonio’s bedside constantly since the night of the incident, often seen crocheting by his side.

Andrew’s Apology: While Antonio was recovering, Andrew visited his room. Andrew expressed deep regret, saying, "I'm sorry about Narcisco" and "I'm sorry you saw the murder."
The Hidden Truth: Antonio chose not to tell Andrew—or anyone else—that he had seen Andrew at Rosie’s house on the night of the murder. He resolved to blot this and other unpleasant memories from his mind.
Awkward Exchange: * Antonio felt uncomfortable talking to Andrew and looked to Ultima for support. * Ultima stood up from her crocheting, signaling to Andrew that it was time to leave because Antonio needed to rest. * Andrew stammered, noting Antonio was "only a kid" and expressed a wish that he could do something to help.
Subsequent Avoidance: After this interaction, Andrew never entered Antonio’s room again. He would only wave from the door on his way to work and left gifts of candy and fruit with Maria to deliver to Antonio.

The Fever Dreams: Antonio asked Ultima if he had revealed anything about Andrew while he was delirious with fever.
Ultima’s Explanation: She stated, "Your blood is tied to the blood of your brothers," noting that while he spoke of his love for them, he had not revealed Andrew's secret.
Consolation: Antonio found peace knowing Ultima understood the situation and that the secret of Rosie's house remained safe.

Holiday Observance: The family had a small tree and exchanged clothes as presents.
Religious Rites: The most significant events were visiting the Nativity scene at the church and attending "La Misma de Gallo" (midnight mass). Antonio remained home due to his health but waited for the family to return.
Holiday Refreshments: Upon their return from mass, they ate dessert and drank hot coffee flavored with sugar and cinnamon.
Education and Language: * Maria expected Antonio to recite his prayers in the kitchen while she worked. He knew most by memory. * Maria encouraged Antonio to read prayers in English. Although she did not understand the language and Antonio did not have full comprehension yet, she believed mastery of both English and Spanish was necessary for him to become a successful priest. * Many older people in the community refused to let their children speak the "new language," but Maria viewed it as a tool for "intelligence" and "learning."

History of Francisco: Ultima shared stories of Francisco as a young, respected vaquero in Las Pasturas. He had married a young girl, but she died in an epidemic before they could start a family.
Narcisco’s Tragedy: Following the loss of his wife, Narcisco turned to drinking and lost everything.
Gratitude toward Ultima: Narcisco remained forever grateful to Ultima because she had worked tirelessly to try to save his young wife.
The Code of the Old People: Ultima explained that the old people always helped each other and that the friendships formed in the past were bonds for life.

Religious Milestone: Maria planned for Antonio to start at the church in the spring.
First Holy Communion: Antonio was scheduled to make his First Holy Communion on Easter Sunday. Maria told him that for the first time, he would hold God in his mouth, body, and soul, and he would finally have the "knowledge of God."
Vocational Expectations: Maria expressed her desire for Antonio to become a priest and a leader of the people, rather than wasting his life and dreams like his father.
Summer at El Puerto: Antonio was told he would spend the summer with his uncles at El Puerto to learn "old secret ways in farming" and work in the sun to recover from seeing things no boy should see.

Arrival: Early one morning, a state police car arrived at the house through deep snow. Leon and Eugene stepped out, appearing older and wearing soiled, wrinkled jackets.
The Accident: The brothers had purchased a "really nice Chevy" with their saved money. On a spur-of-the-moment decision to come home, they hit a "slick spot" of solid ice near Anto and Chico and went into a ditch.
Survival Tactics: * The road had been closed for a week, so there was no traffic. * To prevent freezing to death, they burned the blankets, seats, gas, and tires of the car. * They were found by Officer Vigil.
Family Reaction: * Maria was grateful they were safe and went to her altar to pray to the Virgin. * Eugenio (Jean) was angry at Leon for wanting to come home, blaming him for the loss of the car. * Gabriel was initially happy but soon became quiet and brooding, realizing his sons were planning new adventures and would not stay to go west with him.

The Danger: The cold wind threatened to tear down the windmill housing because the tie wire had been cut.
Logistics of Water: Antonio noted that if the windmill broke, it would mean melting snow for water, which was difficult because $1\,\text{ton}$ of melted snow only produced approximately $\frac{1}{4}\,\text{quart}$ of water.
Reminiscence: Gabriel tried to connect with his sons by recalling when they built the house together and how they used air hammers that tossed them around like "rag dolls."
Gabriel’s Bravery: Despite the icy ladder and spinning blades, Gabriel climbed the structure to fix the wire and set the brake. He returned exhausted, with his face and hands "frozen white."
The Departure: The next day, Leon and Eugene left for Santa Fe. This time, Andrew chose to join them, quitting his job at Allen's Market and abandoning high school. Antonio wondered if Narcisco’s death influenced Andrew’s decision and if he would ever truly know his brothers beyond his "dreams."