Chapter 19 Summary

When Emilia is released from prison three days after her arrest, she is furious with Magda and Lilita and wants them to tell her the truth of everything that has happened. She also wants to know why they had never involved her in their fight. Lilita and Magda explain about their connections with the Tupas. They also explain that they only did it because they want to protect her and all Uruguayans from unjust treatment. Lilita wants to do the fighting so her daughter will not have to; Magda does not know her excuse but asks for her friend's forgiveness anyway. Emilia is not ready to offer forgiveness yet.

Inside the military there is a secret negotiator between the government and the Tupas. Neither side has agreed to this but they still participate in the negotiations. Magda figures out that this negotiator has...