—花木蘭—Here, the Qīngmíng Jié (or something like it) comes
just before winter. Mulan is familiar with sweeping the tombs, with
offerings of flowers and food: but in San Ángel the living also paint
their faces like the bones of their loved ones. At first she was star-
tled, then fascinated, by the stark and intricate designs. Now,
though, curiosity has made her bold.
“Aren’t you afraid it will melt? It’s such a warm night.”