What happens when even ‘winning at life’ can’t silence the echoes of your past? Dive into Chapter Two of my upcoming novel, “Under The Flamboyant Tree: A Novel.” In this emotional excerpt, Isabella attends her daughter Julitza’s funeral, haunted by the familiar murmurs of gossip from Dominican attendees. Despite changing her name, marrying a wealthy man, and seemingly ‘winning at life,’ Isabella’s past and the tragic loss of her daughter continue to suffocate her.

Chapter Two Excerpt:

Amid the funeral’s orchestrated solemnity, people came and went, but Isabella could not recollect any names or faces. To her, they were nameless people whom she didn’t know, mostly attending because of their ties to her husband or her parents. The distinct Dominican accent, fast and sing-song, told her which connection was which. Her sister must have emailed some of her distant friends and family who lived in Lawrence and Worcester, but most wouldn’t have had the money to make it all the way to Nantucket. Yet here were some that proved her wrong.

The funeral director sat next to her, and Isabella then realized Natalia had left.

“Ma’am, we will begin the procession to the cemetery shortly if you’re ready.”

Isabella nodded. She stood, walked over to the casket, and laid her cheek on her daughter again. The lingering notes of a sad song played in the background, accompanying Isabella’s soft sobs. As time passed, nearing ten minutes, the funeral director warned her again, but the undercurrent whispers that wove through the crowd like tendrils of mist caught her attention.

“Esta familia no pasa de una tragedia después de tragedia,” someone sighed just within earshot.

Their voice continued, “Es una bruja, pero tú sabes que esos son castigos del Señor o el mismo Diablo. Las mujeres de la familia tienen una mala suerte tan grande.”

Another responded with a calm conjecture wrapped around Isabella’s heart like ivy, tightening with every syllable. She knew these whispers well. That is why she changed her name when she married Tom. She didn’t want the ghosts of her past to follow her. She didn’t want her family name to resurrect old gossip. But as it was, not even a name change could save her. The curse followed her here.

Reflection:

Chapter Two of “Under The Flamboyant Tree” depicts a challenging moment in Isabella’s life. Not only is she grieving the loss of her daughter, but she is also reliving some of the past from which she had tried to escape by changing her name. The whispers and gossip from the Dominican attendees at the funeral remind her that despite her efforts to outrun her past, it continues to haunt her. This excerpt sets the stage for the deep emotional and cultural exploration unfolding in the novel.

Isabella’s journey is one of facing and overcoming these ghosts of her past, compounded by the grief and revelations she finds in her daughter’s journal. This powerful story is a testament to resilience and the enduring impact of family and identity.

“Under The Flamboyant Tree” is set to be released in November 2024 through Have a Cup of Johanny LLC. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe for more updates and exclusive content.

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