The Shadow of the Wind
by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Contents
City of Shadows — Chapter 22
Overview
Daniel confides in Fermín after midnight, and Fermín reveals how deeply Bernarda has made him long for respectability, marriage, and the possibility of becoming a good father. The investigation shifts sharply when Fermín discovers that PO Box 2321—tied to the Carax apartment paperwork—is being collected by Nuria Monfort, contradicting her earlier narrative. Suspecting broader deception, Daniel and Fermín decide to probe Julián Carax’s past by questioning San Gabriel’s School about Carax and the Aldaya connection.
Summary
Late at night Daniel returns to the Sempere bookshop and finds Fermín still working. Over tea, Fermín teases Daniel about Beatriz and helps Daniel name what he feels for her as something serious rather than mere desire.
Fermín then turns uncharacteristically earnest, asking Daniel whether Fermín could ever be a good father. He admits Bernarda has changed him: he wants to become respectable enough to deserve her, and he hopes to give her the motherhood he suspects she longs for. Daniel reassures Fermín that he would be a good husband and father precisely because he won’t take those roles for granted.
Before Daniel leaves, Fermín reports on the lead Daniel previously gave him: PO Box 2321. Fermín learned it is registered to “José María Requejo,” a lawyer whose listed office address does not exist, and that someone has been collecting the mail for years, including signing for registered items.
Fermín reveals the collector’s name: Nuria Monfort. Daniel is shaken because Daniel visited Nuria Monfort earlier that day and now realizes her account may be unreliable.
Daniel recounts the entire Julián Carax mystery to Fermín, who takes notes and points out that if Nuria lied about the mailbox, she may have lied about much more. Fermín proposes a next step: on Sunday they will visit San Gabriel’s School to discreetly question priests about the origins of Julián Carax’s friendship with the wealthy Aldaya boy.
Who Appears
- Daniel SempereConfides in Fermín; reels at Nuria’s link to PO Box 2321; agrees to investigate Carax further.
- Fermín Romero de TorresTracks the PO box; dreams of family with Bernarda; proposes questioning San Gabriel’s School.
- Nuria MonfortRevealed as the person collecting mail from PO Box 2321, raising suspicions she lied.
- BernardaFermín’s love interest; inspires his desire to be respectable and possibly have a child.
- Beatriz (Bea) AguilarDiscussed as Daniel’s romantic focus; her importance frames Daniel’s emotional state.
- José María RequejoName on PO Box 2321; supposed lawyer appears to be fictitious with a nonexistent address.
- Don FedericoAiling man Fermín helps watch over at night, taking turns with Eloy.
- Julián CaraxCentral mystery figure; Daniel recounts his story as they seek new leads on his past.