The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, #2
The Angel's Game
by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Contents
Chapter 37
Overview
As a violent storm engulfs Barcelona, David Martín fortifies himself at home, refusing to meet Andreas Corelli. Paralyzed by fear when someone knocks, he prepares to shoot, only to find Cristina at his door. Her unexpected, contrite return upends David’s isolation and promises a shift in his loyalties and resolve.
Summary
David Martín returns home through a darkening, storm-threatened Barcelona. He kindles heat in his frigid tower house, but cannot still his fear. Anticipating a meeting with his "boss" at the Equestrian Club, David decides to stay home, focusing on the violent weather as a refuge and a sign of looming danger.
As night falls and rain lashes the city, David retrieves his late father’s revolver, loads it, and settles by the fire. He drifts to sleep resolved not to attend the appointment, imagining Andreas Corelli advancing through the city like an implacable force. Power fails amid the storm’s crescendo.
After midnight, David wakes to fading embers and an insistent knock. Convinced Corelli is at the door, he cocks the revolver and edges down the corridor in darkness, paralyzed between dread and defiance. He orders the visitor to leave but hears a sob that breaks his resolve.
David opens the door to find Cristina, drenched and freezing, collapsing into his arms. She whispers an apology, and David, moved and relieved, welcomes her home. Her return interrupts his spiraling fear and subtly reorients his priorities away from Corelli and toward protecting their fragile bond.
Who Appears
- David MartínProtagonist; arms himself with his father’s revolver, refuses Corelli’s meeting, and faces midnight terror before welcoming Cristina back.
- CristinaArrives soaked during the storm, apologizes to David, and is tenderly welcomed home, signaling a pivotal emotional return.