The Making of Toro by Mark Sundeen

Author:Mark Sundeen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: 2003-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

I wanted to see the ear. I knew from my reading that the ear had mythical importance. Bullfighters gave them to lovers and mentors and parents and statesmen. I stood behind the car, and as Carmen was zipping her bag I asked to see the ear. She wasn’t sure where it was, but after asking inside the car, she located it and dropped it in my palm. It was soft and pliable. She watched me finger it.

“Do you want it?” she said.

For a moment I doubted myself. The ear was a sacred trophy from the second bull she’d ever killed; she should give it to her lover or el presidente. Was I really worthy of such a gift?

“Don’t you want it?” I said.

“It’s yours,” she said with a shrug. “It doesn’t matter to me.”

Of course I was worthy. I was Travis LaFrance. The ear was warm in my hand. Carmen’s eyes in the fading sunlight turned the color of honey.

“I will not forget thee, Carmen. I will hold it close to my heart.”

“Put it in a plastic bag. And cover it with salt.”

“Thank you, my lady.”

“You don’t want it to rot.”

I reached for her hand to kiss it, but instead she shook mine, then let go. I held the dead ear. The matador rapped on the roof of the K car and told us to hurry. I gazed into the eyes of fair Carmenita. She slammed the trunk and ushered me to the back door.

“We are five in this car,” she said. “You must sit in the middle.”

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