Infinite Country

The narrator describes the changes happening in Elena’s life in this chapter. She, Mauro, and Talia see each other through video calls; and they each tell the other they have not changed. The greater change to Elena has to do with her psyche. She remains at the restaurant for a time—the narrator calls these “zombie days”—having no other position. Soon, however, she strikes out on her own and finds several homes to clean. She is cautious in choosing clients, but she still encounters the idiosyncrasies of some middle-class North Americans, as well as their obliviousness and prejudice. Elena teaches her growing children how to avoid interacting with the police.

This chapter tells of the first revolt Talia led at the reformatory, interrupting a mediation session featuring a wealthy spiritualist woman who was trying to get the girls to recant their attitudes and envision a different life for themselves: “Talia wondered why the staff cared so much about contrition when they were already being punished” (116). A nun tells her she must write a letter of apology to Horatio for burning him.

The chapter shifts to a current narrative of Talia riding to Barbosa with Aguja. She is lost in thought about how she cared for Perla as her death grew closer. Though this was initially to be the point of their separation, Aguja offers to take her another 50 kilometers—30 miles—to Chiquinquirá, where he will “light a candle” at the basilica in his mother’s name (119).

Someone recommends Elena as a cleaner for a wealthy family along the Hudson River. She bonds with their 12-year-old autistic son, Lance, and quickly becomes his regular caregiver. In gratitude, the family allows her to move into a cottage on their property with her children. Karina and Nando also bond with Lance.

The chapter also describes the gradual decline and death of Perla. Talia and Mauro work together to preserve her dignity as she slowly approaches death. Mauro knew that Perla was dying but did not tell Talia, who cares lovingly for every need of her grandmother. This is an especially painful time for Elena, who realizes she will not be with her mother before she dies. Elena knows before Mauro calls her that her mother has died.