The Gifts of My Cousin Maria 1969

Moma travels to the town to visit Maria's house

Moma, the sole heir, arrives in a small town determined to see Maria's house and learn about her life. He quickly learns that Maria died young and was survived by an adoptive mother who keeps her dowry. Despite being the heir, he postpones his journey for years after hearing of her death, until a lingering sadness finally spurs him to visit.

Moma meets Maria's adoptive mother

The old woman greets him with coldness and tells him to leave, but she grudgingly grants access to the house. She remains displeased by his visit yet allows him to explore Maria's space and possessions, setting the tone for his search.

Discovery of the cloth-covered mirror

In a dim room, Moma removes the cloth from a mirror and finds it cracked. The shock of the sight makes him faint briefly, signaling the room's unsettling past.

Old mother recounts Maria's youth

The adoptive mother tells Maria's story, starting with her beauty and vanity as she was courted by many men. She describes how Maria spent long hours before the mirror and rejected suitors, laying the groundwork for later regret.

A suitor's suicide and Maria's remorse

One of the rejected suitors hangs himself, an act that haunts Maria and deepens her remorse. The memory foreshadows the sorrow that follows as she confronts the consequences of her vanity.

Dowry preparation amid dwindling suitors

After the tragedy, Maria devotes years to preparing her dowry, but no new suitors come to claim her. The adoptive mother notices changes in Maria's behavior and wonders whether she is descending into madness or seeking purification.

Night of noises and Maria's death

One night the adoptive mother hears strange noises from Maria's room, and upon entering she sees the mirror cracked and experiences visions of Maria aged and blank. It is revealed that Maria had actually died that night.

Moma stays the night and seeks the dowry chest key

After the storyteller finishes, Moma asks to spend the night in the house. He tries to locate the key to unlock the chest containing Maria's dowry, but his search ends in frustration as the key remains elusive.

Escape from the burning house

Hearing unsettling noises, Moma makes a frantic exit from the house, during which he knocks over a burning candle in his haste. The escape is hurried and fraught with danger as flames begin to take hold.

Dawn departure with Maria's slippers

Moma leaves the house at dawn, carrying only Maria's slippers as a final link to the past. He then hears church bells and sees townsfolk rushing toward the inflamed estate.

Townspeople debate the fire's origin

As he walks away, he overhears men discussing the fire's cause. Some blame an ember from the fireplace, while others argue that it is impossible since the house had been empty for seven years.