Summary

In "Catarina," after Rely's wife Catarina's accident, the narrator moved in with the couple. The narrator knew Catarina "before the accident," but had never liked her (201). Rely loved her, and had always been able to handle her moods.

The narrator feels guilty for "speaking ill of the dead, even when her body hasn't quit yet" (203). Despite her guilt, the narrator often recalls memories involving Catarina. One time, Catarina pushed Rely to interpret a friend's dream. The way Rely saw the woman clearly through her dream, was the way the narrator wanted him to see her.

In the days and weeks following Catarina’s accident, the narrator started visiting Rely. She and Rely fell in love. She began helping Rely care for Catarina, abandoning her other obligations. Sometimes she wished Rely would let Catarina die so they could fully be together. She...