“What do you think of our present, Alejandro?” João shouted, laughing. “We hope you won’t sell it to a tourist for a lot of money!”
“So much joy,” said Alejandro. “It tires me out.”
“Come Alejandro,” said Beatriz. “Let’s have one more drink.”
Alejandro made a wide gesture, suddenly realizing how much he’d already put away. “Yes, let’s have another drink— to forget our worries and especially ourselves.”
Behind Pereira, who looked at him a bit mockingly, he saw Mount Aconcagua. That stupid mountain was even more ghostly in the bright moonlight. Dizzy, he closed his eyes.
Around them, the dancers spinned wildly. The elderly watched and clapped their hands. The mothers had baked tortillas, and the smell made everyone happy. Did you have to feel self-hatred at such a moment?
Did you have
