Marianela

Teodoro operates on Pablo’s eyes with immense care. After the surgery, he bandages the eyes and urges several days of rest before confirming that the surgery is a success. As Pablo is resting, Florentina spends time with Nela. Florentina asks the young girl to show her where she lives in the Centeno house. She is horrified by the humble and cramped house where Nela lives, especially the baskets where she sleeps. She states once again her promise to help Nela. In a promise to the Virgin Mary, she vows to take Nela under her care and treat her as a sister if Pablo gains his sight. Throughout each of these pronouncements, Florentina never asks Nela about her thoughts and feelings. Nela harbors resentment at first but finds it hard to be bitter towards Florentina, whose kindness is so insistent. Florentina’s goodness and beauty appears so much like the Virgin Mary that Nela’s resentment subsides and all she is left with is a feeling of melancholy.

One week after the operation, Sofía announces excitedly to Nela that they have removed Pablo’s bandages and have confirmed that he can see. Nela praises the Virgin Mary, believing that Florentina’s vow has made this miracle possible.