THE WILLOWS OF CORONA
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The Willows of Corona by Maria Hilda Pinon “Stop protecting her, Father,” Mother Inez yelled in a sharp voice. “Stop badgering her, Mother. She’s been through a lot and you insist on making things more difficult for her.” “Nothing is difficult for her. Everything comes easy to her. She doesn’t know what difficult is.” “You sound as if you intend to teach her. You don’t know the struggles of individuals just from the outside. The externals aren’t a good measure for judging.” “Don’t preach to me! I’ve no patience or respect for a priest who swoons over girls. I’m watching you, Father John, don’t forget. Good day.” “But it’s 1976. Things are different.” “In Corona it might as well be 1920. They still let superstitious stories influence them. Just the other day a woman came in, terrified. She was sure she’d heard the cries of La Madre Llorona during the night,” Father Antonio began. “La Madre Llorona? I’ve heard it mentioned.” “You don’t know the tale? It’s one I’m sure you’ll hear about many times during your work here. You see, John, there’s a legend about a woman who cries out for the lost and damned soul of her dead daughter. The daughter died in the state of mortal sin. And when people believe they’re in a state of mortal sin, they hear her cries also. This is Corona, John. The world changes out there,” he said, pointing out in the distance. “But here,” he said pointing to the musky, carpeted floor, “Time stands still, especially if we mark it by the changes in attitude.” Father John took the reins and accidentally pulled them abruptly. Guápo came to a jerking stop, pressing him closer to Victoria, as he grasped her tightly on the chest. His face burrowed into her neck and he could feel his body tensing up as the feel of Victoria’s smooth skin created an electric current through his body. Victoria could feel herself wrapped tightly by his body. She closed her eyes, aware of how intense her desire was to surrender to the warm feelings and how strong her simultaneous desire was not to burn in hell for tasting the forbidden fruit.
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About the Book
The accidental death of her father, a prominent citizen of Corona, leaves Victoria Moreno full of doubt, questions and anger. Suicide rumors heighten her grief. Why would her father, a devout Catholic kill himself? Was the death accidental? Struggling to cope with his actions, the 17-year old, finds solace in the inspiring and calming presence of Father John Collins rather than Ricardo, her betrothed childhood match. The bond between Victoria and Father John strengthens and evolves into a deep friendship riddled with confusion, complications, challenged beliefs and the discovery of a compelling, tender and sensual love that holds them captive and others in consternation. With mounting passion, they strive to reconcile the desires of the heart, mind and soul as they struggle with a culture defined by duty, tradition and religion, and a family saga steeped in secrets, guilt and greed. This is a strong, human story of a panorama of relationships of real people with hopes and fears that brings out the magic and beauty within us all besides the dark secrets that haunt us. Will their love prevail or will “duty and reputation” dictate its course? The intrigue entwines the relationship of an imperfect mankind to something higher, as it poses difficult questions, defies convention, and yet affirms age-old truths. Moving, original and provocative the tale turns and twists deepening our understanding of the vicissitudes of our humanity. Set in South Texas, in cinematic, vibrant and imaginative settings, the Texas/Hispanic culture gives the narrative its direction. Heartbreaking and soaringly uplifting, The Willows of Corona is told with candor, sensitivity and a perceptive observation as it treads delicately in one of the more complex paths of life.
About the Author
Maria Hilda Pinon is a native of South Texas. Born in the Texas border city of Laredo, she currently resides in San Antonio, Texas. She is in private practice as a licensed psychotherapist, and has an educational background in nursing, spiritual direction, life coaching and psychology with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. In the areas of health and psychology, she conducts workshops and is adjunct faculty at the community college. Involvement in ministerial programs for over thirty-five years include, pastoral programs, religious education, jail ministry, mission work in Latin America, and television production. For ten years she produced, wrote and hosted the program of Prismas Culturales on Catholic Television of San Antonio (CTSA) as well as the production of the program entitled Caminando Mano a Mano featured on national television for three years (EWTN). The Willows of Corona is her first novel. Other publications include Candles in the Dark...Poems to grieve, hope and love again.