Summary

“Mud” began after a month of heavy rain as Father prepared for his trip to work on the railroad. Neftalí noticed that Father was happy amongst his subordinates. He questioned Rodolfo’s mention that it would be “better” if Father did not return (43). Rodolfo explained that Father’s rules and orders kept the entire family “miserable” (43). Neftalí disputed this, but Rodolfo insisted that he would not escape Father’s wrath as he grew older. Neftalí expressed his interest in experiencing the forest. Rodolfo told him the legend of the chucao bird, whose call from the right predicts “fortune and happiness,” and from the left, “bad luck and disappointment” (45-46). Neftalí told Rodolfo that, in addition to these treasures, he wanted to see “the other Father” (46).

While Father was away, the rain continued and mud impeded the roadways. Uncle Orlando, Mamadre’s brother, began...