On a sweltering Sunday afternoon, Daniel goes to the Ateneo on Calle Canuda to meet Gustavo Barceló, carrying The Shadow of the Wind. The old building’s stillness and heat contrast with Daniel’s nervous anticipation as he finds Barceló waiting in a gallery above an interior garden, accompanied by a silent young woman in white.

Barceló asks about the book’s origin, but Daniel refuses to reveal the secret he has promised to keep. Barceló correctly guesses Daniel’s father is involved and praises Daniel’s luck, then examines the novel with reverent care and confirms Daniel has read it. He tells Daniel that this is the last novel Julián Carax wrote and shocks Daniel by stating there are no other copies on the market because the rest were burned.

As Daniel tries to understand, the mysterious woman turns and reveals herself to be blind. Barceló introduces her as his niece, Clara, and claims she is the real expert on Carax. Using the opportunity to be alone with the book, Barceló departs to inspect it, leaving Daniel with Clara.

Clara teases Daniel about refusing Barceló’s money and probes his age, insisting he drop the formal “Miss.” Daniel is captivated by Clara’s presence and her frankness, while Clara lightly mocks his awkward attempts to flatter or conceal his thoughts, including his obvious curiosity about how a blind person can be a “book expert.”

Clara asks Daniel to come closer and, reaching for him, takes his hand and then guides her fingers over his face. Daniel stands still, overwhelmed by the intimacy of her touch and the scent of cinnamon on her hands, as Clara silently “reads” his features and Daniel’s fascination deepens.