The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, #2
The Angel's Game
by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Contents
Chapter 39
Overview
David abandons Corelli’s project, hiding the manuscript instead of burning it. An eerie child shadows him, and a sealed letter reveals Corelli is leaving the city briefly and expects progress. David and a battered Cristina share a fragile peace, reaffirm their plan to flee, and she asks to bid Barcelona farewell.
Summary
At dawn, David Martín renounces his commission for Andreas Corelli. Instead of burning the draft, he locks the pages and notes in an old trunk, ashamed yet unable to destroy what feels like a part of himself.
Venturing out after the rain for provisions, David senses he is watched. A pale boy in black with large pupils follows him, points at David when addressed, then vanishes into Paseo del Borne.
Back home, David finds an envelope sealed with Corelli’s angel. The letter politely regrets the missed meeting, announces Corelli’s brief absence from the city, and asks for news of their project. David crushes the note and pockets it.
In the kitchen, Cristina appears bruised and withdrawn. David prepares coffee, bread, cheese, and ham; she eats tentatively. Cristina offers to leave, mentioning Pedro gave her money, but David insists she stay and never leave him again. They confirm their intent to go far away.
Closing the moment on a fragile accord, Cristina asks David to take her for a walk so she can say goodbye to Barcelona, signaling their imminent departure and renewed resolve.
Who Appears
- David MartínNarrator; hides Corelli’s manuscript, encounters a strange boy, receives Corelli’s letter, and commits to leaving with Cristina.
- CristinaArrives bruised and fragile; shares a meal, apologizes, accepts leaving with David, and asks to say goodbye to Barcelona.
- Andreas CorelliMysterious patron; sends a courteous letter, announces brief absence, and requests progress on the project.
- Unidentified boyPale child in black who silently follows David, points at him, then disappears.