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netted bed more comfortable than she had expected. A multitude of stars, cushioned by the dark heavens, lulled all but the shaman and his grandson to sleep.
    MORNING CAME, BRINGING WITH IT a cacophony of rural life: the rooster’s crow, the bellow of mules, the grunts of pigs. Don Pedro was just concluding the ritual, his voice hoarse from singing through the night. Benjamin held a large gourd filled with coffee for his grandfather. Charles too was awake, standing over Maud, watching her sleep. Louise could smell breakfast cooking somewhere. When Maud finally awoke her face glowed, her eyes were brighter than they had been in weeks. Charles helped her out of the hammock. The woman appeared and handed Maud another bowl of boiled green plantains. Don Pedro, solemn and pensive, drank his coffee before giving his final analysis.
    “The ceremony has driven out the external forces that have attacked your daughter’s wikol, her soul. That’s good, but it is not over.”
    All eyes were on the awa.
    “Two more nights are necessary to complete the long-term protection…maybe more.”
    Charles blanched at the prospect. “Don Pedro, I’m grateful for your hospitality and Maud’s results are impressive so far, but I must start back today! I have business to attend to. We can’t possibly stay another two nights.”
    To this the awa shook his head and replied, “Failure to continue the ritual will destroy all hope of getting better.”
    Charles spread his arms wide. “But we’ve come so far! Surely there must be a way to solve this dilemma!”
    Don Pedro closed his bleary eyes. The lines in his face seemed to have multiplied since last night. He paced the floor. He took his grandson aside. The awa spoke in hushed tones; Benjamin listened intently, but his demeanor changed at his grandfather’s words. He glanced at Maud. Was he uncertain about something? Benjamin started to counter, but Don Pedro placed his bony hand on Benjamin’s shoulder. Benjamin stared at his feet, nodding. Finally the two looked up at the Lindo family, who awaited their verdict.
    “There is a way to complete the healing,” Don Pedro announced in a gravelly voice. “Benjamin will carry out the rituals at your home.” The tired awa patted Benjamin on his back. “He knows what has to be done.” Don Pedro turned to Charles. “I will decide on the payment for these special services.”
    “Excellent solution! I knew we would come to an agreement.” Charles shook Don Pedro’s hand and embraced Maud. Louise was happy too, but inside, the plan came as a shock. It never occurred to her that Benjamin might finish the awa’s work—and in their home! She blushed at the thought of him in the carriage. Where would he sit? What would they say to each other? How long would he stay? Where would he sleep? She imagined him in their great arched doorway, passing the potted geraniums on the tiled floor. Was there bread and tea in the cupboard? Would Rosa be there when they arrived? Benjamin packed his belongings in a cloth bag. He bundled the leaves, roots, flowers, and the log the awa had drawn on last night and put them in a large sisal sack. A bucket of water was brought for them to wash their face and hands. Louise helped Maud put on her shoes. She shook the burs and dried grass from her sister’s skirt. Maud was talkative now, but Louise paid her no mind. She strained to hear Charles and Don Pedro’s conversation outside the hut. The awa called for Benjamin to join them. Soon they were all shaking hands. Father, quite pleased with himself, strutted over to where she and Maud were tidying themselves for the trip home.
    “It’s all settled,” he gloated, “for a payment of ten pounds of flour, three boxes of nails, and a pair of scissors.”
    THE FOUR MADE IT DOWN the mountain terrain before the heat of the day set in. Guaria morada orchids and countless guanacaste trees stretched their shade along the path. Maud, lively in spirit but still weak in the