Cereus Blooms At Night

In Part 3 of Cereus Blooms at Night, the narrative moves in time again, to the point when Ambrose and Mala reignited their relationships as young adults. Ambrose had been studying in the Shivering Northern Wetlands for some time and finally returned to Lantanacamara. Upon hearing this news, Mala was filled with excitement and hope. It had been years now since she saw Ambrose (“Boyie”), and she wondered if he was returning with a family. She also wondered if, in his time abroad, he ever encountered her mother, Aunt Lavinia, or Asha. She longed for him to visit her and tell him if he had any news of her family. Mala was so consumed with anticipation to see Ambrose, that she did not resist when her father demanded to have sex with her that evening. She could only think about his impending visit, though the next morning, she grew doubtful that he would actually make an appearance.

Ambrose did indeed arrive, greeting Mala as “Pohpoh,” her childhood nickname. Mala didn’t have the heart to correct him and happily but cautiously invited him inside. Ambrose came bearing gifts, specifically, a gramophone and two records.