Epilogue

In 1945, fifteen years after fleeing Barcelona, David Martín recounts a rootless life under assumed identities, forever on the run from guilt, memory, and the unnatural stasis that leaves him ageless. Exhausted, he settles in a beach hut at land’s end, reacquires his name and trade, and begins writing his story again.

While reading old newspapers about wars that echo the inferno he once wrote for his patron, David decides to risk contact and writes to Isabella via Sempere & Sons under the alias Mr Rochester. Months later, a reply arrives: Sempere’s son reports he married Isabella in 1935; they had a son, Daniel, before the Civil War; and Isabella later died of cholera. Enclosed is Isabella’s farewell letter, in which she expresses love, gratitude, and hope that David will remember her and speak of her to someone he loves.

Soon after, David senses he is no longer alone. Corelli—the boss—appears on the jetty, unchanged by time, holding the hand of a young girl who resembles Cristina from an old photograph. Corelli admits he stole what David loved most out of fear and has come to say goodbye. He names the girl Cristina and declares she will live with David.

Corelli then delivers his parting curse and blessing: David will not age and will watch Cristina grow, fall in love with her again, and ultimately see her die in his arms. After Corelli vanishes, Cristina asks if he is gone forever. David confirms it and promises stories. Accepting his fate, David vows to devote their remaining time to her happiness and, when her life ends, to carry her into the open sea so they can disappear beyond the reach of heaven or hell.