Chapter 20 Summary

Amara is now helping the nuns with simple chores. She can knead bread, feed the farm animals, and card wool. As a result Amara is given more freedom in the convent, although she is still closely watched.

On a particularly hot day, Josefa asks permission to take Amara to shore to help her gather mussels. As the shining sea comes into sight, the girls run to the beach and play in the waves. Josefa knows that this section of beach is not visible from Sant Clara, so she strips her heavy garments and swims naked into the water, enjoying the cooling waves. Amara whimpers from the shore, and Josefa leads her into the waves by the hand. The girls swim for a while before stretching out on rocks to dry.

Amara begins licking the backs of her hands, seemingly enjoying the salty taste...