A school is organized. The children learn English through pictures and repetition. However, they refuse to draw pictures of home because it hurts too much. A psychologist explains “traumatic mutism.” Sabino realizes that forgetting Guernica might be a form of betrayal, but remembering is unbearable. The chapter explores the ethics of memory in exile.
Sabino decides to return to Spain, not to stay, but to see. He travels via France. Crossing the Pyrenees on foot, he meets other exiles. When he reaches Guernica, he finds the town rebuilt but silent under Franco. He visits the Tree of Guernica—indeed, new branches grow from the old stump. He touches the bark and cries. el otro arbol de guernica chapter summaries
In Bilbao, the children are herded onto the Habana , a cargo ship retrofitted for passengers. A mysterious benefactor—implied to be the Basque government-in-exile—organizes their evacuation. Sabino meets key companions: the mischievous José Luis, the quiet Martín, and the girl named Carmencita, who carries a small branch from the Tree of Guernica. A school is organized