Dolores Redondo - The Legacy of the Bones

‘Are you saying you think I was going to have a girl but in the last month she turned into a boy? That’s physically impossible.’

‘Yes, I think you were going to have a daughter, I think you probably will have her one day, but I also believe this wasn’t the right time for her, that someone left the decision until the last moment and then decided you’d have Ibai.’

‘And who do you think took that decision?’

‘Perhaps the same one who gave him to you.’

Amaia stood up, exasperated.

‘I’m going to make some coffee. Do you want a cup?’

Aunt Engrasi ignored the question. ‘You’re wrong to deny it was a miracle.’

‘I’m not denying it, Auntie,’ she protested, ‘it’s just that …’

‘Don’t believe in them, don’t deny their existence,’ said Engrasi, invoking the old incantation against witches that had been popular as recently as a century earlier.

‘Least of all me,’ whispered Amaia, recalling those amber eyes, the fleeting, high-pitched whistle that had guided her through the forest in the middle of the night as she struggled with the feeling of being in a dream while at the same time experiencing something real.

She remained silent until her aunt spoke again.

‘When are you going back to work?’

‘Next Monday.’

‘How do you feel about it?’

‘Well, Auntie, you know I like my job, but I have to admit that going back has never felt this hard, not after the holidays, or after our honeymoon. Everything’s different now, now there’s Ibai,’ she said, glancing at his cot. ‘It feels too soon to be leaving him.’

Engrasi nodded, smiling.

‘Did you know that in the past in Baztán women had to stay at home for a month after they gave birth? That was the period the Church deemed sufficient to ensure the baby’s health and survival. Only then was the mother allowed out to take the baby to the church to be baptised. But every law has its loophole. The women of Baztán were known for getting things done. A month was a long time, considering most of them were obliged to work, they had other children, livestock and crops to tend, cows to milk. So whenever they had to leave the house, they would send their husbands up to the roof to fetch a tile. Then they tied it tightly on their head with a scarf. That way the women were able to carry out their chores, while continuing to observe the custom, because as you know, in Baztán your roof is your home.’

Amaia grinned. ‘I can’t quite see myself with a tile on my head, but I’d happily wear one if that meant I could take my house with me.’

‘How did your mother-in-law react when you told her about Ibai?’

‘Much as you’d imagine: she began by railing against the doctors and their prenatal screening methods, insisting such things never happen in the States. She was fine with the baby, although clearly a little disappointed, probably because she wasn’t able to smother him in ribbons and lace. Overnight she lost all desire to go shopping, changed the nursery from pink to white, and swapped the baby outfits for vouchers, which will enable me to clothe Ibai until he’s four.’

‘What a woman!’ chuckled Engrasi.

‘Thomas, on the other hand, was thrilled with Ibai. He cradled him in his arms all day, covered him in kisses and took countless photos of him. He’s even opened a college trust fund for him! Clarice grew bored once she stopped shopping. She began to talk about going home, about her many commitments there – she’s president of a couple of clubs for society ladies, how she missed playing golf, and she started to pester us about getting Ibai baptised. James stood up to her, because he always wanted our baby to be baptised at the San Fermín Chapel, but you know how long the waiting list is – a year, at least. So, Clarice showed up at the chapel, spoke to the chaplain, made a generous donation, and managed to get a date next week,’ Amaia said, laughing.

‘Money talks,’ said Engrasi.

‘It’s a shame you won’t be coming, Auntie.’

Engrasi clicked her tongue. ‘You know, Amaia …’

‘I know, you never leave the valley.’

‘I’m happy here,’ said Engrasi, her words embracing a whole philosophy of life.

‘We’re all happy here,’ said Amaia, dreamily. ‘When I was small, I only ever felt relaxed in this house,’ she added all of a sudden. Amaia was gazing into the fire, mesmerised, her voice, at once soft and shrill, was that of a little girl.

‘I scarcely slept at home – because I had to keep watch, and when I could no longer stay awake, when sleep came, it was never deep or restful, it was the sleep of those condemned to death, waiting for their executioner’s face to loom over them because their time has come.’

‘Amaia …’ Engrasi said softly.

‘If you stay awake she won’t get you, you can cry out, wake the others and she won’t be able to—’

‘Amaia …’

She turned away from the fire, looked at her aunt and smiled.

‘This house has always been a refuge for everyone, hasn’t it? Including Ros. She hasn’t been back to her own place since what happened to Freddy.’

‘No, she goes round there regularly, but sleeps here.’

They heard a soft knock at the door. Ros appeared in the entrance, pulling off her colourful woollen hat.

‘ Kaixo ,’ she said. ‘It’s freezing outside! How cosy you are in here,’ she added, peeling off several layers of clothing.

Amaia studied her sister; she knew her well enough to notice how thin she was, that despite her luminous smile her face had lost its glow. Poor Ros, her anxieties and the sadness she carried around inside had become such a constant part of her life that Amaia could scarcely recall the last time she saw her sister truly happy, despite the success she had made of managing the bakery. Yes, there had been the problems of the past few months, her separation from Freddy, Víctor’s death … But more than anything, the sadness was part of her character. She was one of those people for whom life is more painful, who make you think they might take the easy way out if things get too difficult.

‘Sit here, I’m going to make coffee.’ Amaia rose to offer Ros her chair. As she clasped her sister’s hand, she saw that her nails were flecked with white. ‘Have you been painting?’

‘Just a few bits and bobs in the bakery.’

Amaia hugged Ros, feeling her thinness even more starkly.

‘Sit down by the fire, you’re freezing,’ she urged.

‘I will, but first I want to see the little prince.’

‘Don’t wake him up,’ whispered Amaia, coming over.

Ros gazed at Ibai, frowning.

‘I can’t believe it! Doesn’t this child do anything other than sleep? When is he going to wake up so that his auntie can give him a cuddle?’

‘Try coming to my place between eleven p.m. and five a.m. and you’ll see that, not only is he wide awake but nature has blessed him with a fine pair of lungs, and a cry that threatens to burst your eardrums. You’re welcome to come round and cuddle him anytime.’

‘I might take you up on that – or are you trying to scare me off?’

‘You’d last one night, then you’d hand him straight back to me.’

‘Woman of little faith,’ said Ros, pretending to take umbrage. ‘If you lived here, I’d show you.’

‘Right, go and buy some earplugs; you’re on duty tonight – we’re sleeping over.’

‘What a shame,’ said Ros, feigning disappointment. ‘It just so happens I have other plans.’

They all laughed.

Winter 1979

He reached out his hand, seeking his wife’s warm presence, but found only an empty space where the heat from her body had long since evaporated.