Overview: Doña Merlucines arrives at the school, a sour and gossipy old woman who soon makes life miserable for Celia. The war between the two records many battles, of different tone and magnitude. Celia has to take refuge in her hiding place in the orchard to feel free. Some puppeteers arrive who say they are on their way to China. Celia can't go with them, but she can in her imagination.