At the inn I finally find a working payphone to contact Hugo, confirming the time of our arrival tomorrow.
And that’s when he tells me about Mom and Mam. He’s got tears in his voice as he tells me the full story. Grandma is with him, as he has refused to let her stay alone in Brindleton Bay. He gives her the phone, and Grandma and I talk. We’re both grief-stricken, but neither of us cries. In a way we’re both happy, impossibly happy to have each other.
When I hang up, I hang around the marketplace aimlessly. I know I’ll have to tell Hannah — but not tonight.
My feet bring me to the statue of Madre Cosecha.
She’s a mother figure to the Selvadoradans, They respect her, and honor her, for bringing their community to life. I pay her my respects, and to my own beloved mothers, as well.
The Stewarts Family (and other shenanigans) 