Chapter summaries Greta & Valdin Rebecca K. Reilly

Chapter 36: Usagi — Summary, Themes, and Key Moments

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This page is a study companion, not a replacement for reading the text.

All analysis is original and based on the chapter's content.

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(Note: The chapter is titled “35. Usagi” in the book, though it is the 36th chapter in the sequence.

We'll refer to it as Chapter 36 for consistency with the navigation.)

Summary

The chapter opens with Valdin, Xabi, and Ernesto having lunch together. Xabi is visibly exhausted, having been woken by a late-night phone call from his brother Gep, who is angry that Xabi concealed his plans to adopt Ernesto. Xabi explains that he didn't tell Gep because he feared Gep would dismiss the idea, and he recalls being harsh when Gep announced his own parenthood years earlier. Valdin attempts to lighten the mood with a joke about New Zealand politics, but Xabi remains preoccupied.

Xabi checks his phone and realizes he must leave to collect the adoption documents before the government office closes. He asks Ernesto whether he wants to stay with Valdin or come along; Ernesto chooses to stay. Xabi leaves, and Valdin and Ernesto set off to find a phone charger.

During their walk, Valdin decides to share something personal. He tells Ernesto that he was mute throughout his childhood due to illness. He shows Ernesto the scar on his chest, explaining that he felt like a burden to his family and believed that staying silent would keep him out of the hospital. Ernesto listens carefully and nods, though it's unclear how much he understands.

They enter a shop that sells phone chargers. Valdin picks a purple one, recalling a childhood memory of avoiding purple because classmates called it the “national gay colour.” Ernesto picks up a small item from a display, but when Valdin asks what it is, Ernesto shrugs and refuses to show it. Valdin pays for both items, and they leave.

They meet Xabi at a Starbucks, where Valdin is charging his phone. Xabi arrives holding a document folder and announces that the adoption is official. Valdin hugs him—a rare public display of affection. Xabi then shows the documents to Ernesto, speaking quickly and seriously in Spanish. Ernesto runs his fingers over each page, absorbing the significance.

Finally, they walk Ernesto back to his school. At the gate, Ernesto surprises Valdin by hugging him and whispering “Goodbye” in his ear. Valdin realizes this is likely the last time he'll see Ernesto, as he is returning to New Zealand the next morning.

Key Events

  • Xabi reveals he is exhausted after a late-night call from Gep, who is angry about the secret adoption plans.

  • Xabi explains his fear that Gep would disapprove, and recalls his own past harshness.

  • Xabi leaves to collect the adoption documents, leaving Ernesto with Valdin.

  • Valdin and Ernesto go shopping for a phone charger.

  • Valdin reveals his childhood mutism and shows his scar, explaining his past feelings of being a burden.

  • Ernesto buys a small item but refuses to show it to Valdin.

  • Xabi meets them at Starbucks with the official adoption papers.

  • Xabi presents the documents to Ernesto, who touches each page.

  • At the school gate, Ernesto hugs Valdin and whispers “Goodbye.”

Character Development

Valdin undergoes a significant moment of vulnerability in this chapter. He chooses to share his personal history with Ernesto, revealing that he was mute as a child due to illness. This disclosure is not just a fact; it's an attempt to connect with Ernesto, who is also silent. Valdin's explanation—that he felt like a problem and thought silence would make bad things go away—shows his deep empathy for Ernesto's situation. He also demonstrates growth by openly hugging Xabi in public, something he notes he hasn't done since their reunion. His decision to buy a purple charger, despite his childhood fear of the color, signals a quiet rejection of past shame.

Xabi is portrayed as emotionally frayed. His exhaustion and distraction reveal the weight of the adoption process and the conflict with his brother. He admits to being selfish and expresses sadness about Valdin's impending departure. Yet he also shows his commitment to Ernesto by rushing to secure the documents. The moment he presents the papers to Ernesto is tender and serious, underscoring his role as a new parent.

Ernesto remains largely silent, but his actions speak volumes. He chooses to stay with Valdin, listens intently to Valdin's story, and buys a mysterious item he keeps private. His whispered “Goodbye” at the school gate is a rare spoken word, marking a significant emotional breakthrough. It suggests that he has formed a bond with Valdin and is capable of expressing it, even if only in a whisper.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Communication and Silence are central. Valdin's past mutism parallels Ernesto's current silence, creating a bridge between them. Valdin's revelation is an act of communication that transcends words, and Ernesto's final “Goodbye” is a powerful counterpoint to his usual silence.

Family Bonds and Adoption are explored through Xabi's conflict with Gep and the officialization of Ernesto's adoption. The documents symbolize the legal and emotional commitment Xabi is making, while the brotherly tension highlights the complexities of family expectations.

Memory and Belonging appear in Valdin's recollections—of the purple color, of his childhood illness, and of his fear of being a burden. These memories shape his identity and his connection to Ernesto. The adoption papers also become a memory marker for Ernesto, as Valdin observes that he will remember this moment forever.

Self-Perception and Burden are evident in Valdin's confession that he felt like a problem to his family. This theme resonates with Ernesto's own situation, as he may also feel like a burden. Valdin's sharing of this vulnerability helps normalize Ernesto's feelings and offers a path toward healing.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is pivotal for several reasons. It provides crucial backstory for Valdin, explaining his mutism and his deep understanding of Ernesto's silence. This revelation deepens the reader's appreciation of Valdin's character and his bond with Ernesto.

The chapter also marks the culmination of the adoption storyline, as Xabi receives the official documents. This is a major plot point that solidifies Ernesto's place in Xabi's family.

Finally, the chapter sets up Valdin's departure, creating an emotional farewell that underscores the transient nature of his visit. Ernesto's whispered “Goodbye” is a poignant moment that suggests lasting impact, even as Valdin returns to his own life.

Study Questions and Answers

1. How does Valdin's revelation about his childhood mutism affect his relationship with Ernesto?

Valdin's disclosure creates a profound connection between them. By sharing his own experience of silence and illness, Valdin shows Ernesto that he understands what it feels like to be unable to speak. This vulnerability likely helps Ernesto feel less alone and more trusting. The fact that Ernesto later whispers “Goodbye” suggests that Valdin's openness encouraged him to communicate in his own way.

2. What does Ernesto's whispered “Goodbye” signify in the context of the chapter?

Ernesto's “Goodbye” is a significant breakthrough because he rarely speaks. It signifies that he has formed a meaningful bond with Valdin and feels safe enough to express himself. It also marks the end of their time together, making the farewell more emotional. The whisper suggests intimacy and a quiet acknowledgment of the connection they've built.

3. How does the chapter use the adoption documents as a symbol?

The adoption documents represent the official, legal recognition of Ernesto's new family. They are a tangible marker of Xabi's commitment and the culmination of the adoption process. For Ernesto, touching each page symbolizes his acceptance and understanding of this change. The documents also contrast with the emotional, informal bonds Valdin has formed with Ernesto, highlighting the difference between legal and personal connections.

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