Tomás Vargas’s Hidden Wealth
‘‘The Gold of Tomás Vargas’’ is set in the imaginary town of Agua Santa, located in an unspecified South American nation. The tale begins by recounting the local tradition of burying gold and silver, which ended when people started trusting banks and using new paper currency. Unfortunately, over time, this paper money loses its worth, leading to many losing their savings. Tomás Vargas, however, never trusted these new banks and continued to hide his gold nuggets underground.

Despite his wealth from this hidden treasure, Vargas does not share it with his wife or children, forcing them to rely on the generosity of others for essentials like food, clothing, and education. Additionally, Vargas borrows money without repaying, often gets drunk, commits adultery, and abuses his family, earning the disdain of the entire town. The only person who can manage Vargas's temper is Riad Halabí, a Turkish shopkeeper. Meanwhile, Vargas’s wife, Antonia Sierra, an almost toothless mulatto woman, has aged prematurely due to numerous pregnancies, miscarriages, beatings, and the burdens of raising children during her marriage to Vargas. Since Vargas refuses to spend his buried gold or pay for anything, she also works as a cook to help support the family.

The Arrival of Concha Díaz
One day, a young, pregnant girl named Concha Díaz arrives in town. Halabí is the first to encounter her, and though she is distressed and barely able to speak, she manages to express her need to see Vargas. Halabí sends for Vargas, who is at the tavern, and when Vargas arrives, Halabí scolds him for his affair with a girl young enough to be his granddaughter, warning that the townsfolk will not let him get away with it this time. Halabí offers Concha a place to stay at his home until the baby is born, but Concha insists on staying with Vargas.

The Clash between Concha and Antonia
When Antonia Sierra returns home from work and discovers her husband's mistress, she loses her composure. Although she has endured her marriage to Vargas in silence, this latest betrayal is the final straw, and she erupts in a week-long rage. Once she calms down, others try to convince her that Vargas is the one at fault, not Concha, but Antonia remains unconvinced. She quietly curses Concha, who avoids Antonia, and refuses to feed Vargas, leaving this responsibility to Concha. The townspeople worry that Antonia might kill Concha out of jealousy.

A Friendship Develops
Contrary to her initial instincts, Antonia feels sympathy for Concha when the girl's pregnancy takes a dangerous turn and nearly costs her life. Antonia pleads with Halabí, who then takes Concha to the hospital to receive necessary medication. Gradually, Antonia starts to treat Concha like her own daughter, and her initial anger and pity transform into a sense of protectiveness. In response, Concha begins contributing more to household chores, such as cleaning and cooking, whenever she feels up to it. When it's time for Concha to deliver her baby, she returns to the hospital for a cesarean section. Once back home, Antonia proudly helps Concha present the baby, much like a doting grandmother. The baby is named after Halabí, who generously covers all the hospital expenses. Meanwhile, Vargas pretends to be intoxicated to avoid having to dig up his gold to pay for the baby.

Although Antonia allows Vargas to evade responsibility this time, she stands her ground when he attempts to sleep with Concha, who hasn't fully recovered from childbirth. This incident gives Antonia the courage to confront her husband. News of Antonia's defiance spreads throughout Agua Santa, damaging Vargas's...