The Pearl by John Steinbeck

Kino lives on the Gulf of California with his wife Juana and infant son Coyotito. He is a poor Indian fisherman. Their simple hut is made of brush, and the couple sleeps on mats thrown on the dirt floor, while Coyotito sleeps in a hanging box. Like others in their poor village, they believe in depending on nature for survival. Kino is happy, honest, and hardworking in the beginning. Dawn is breaking as the story …

…late and one of them shoots toward the cave. There is a struggle and Kino kills all three of his enemies. The earlier shot has, however, killed Coyotito. The following afternoon the villagers witness the return of Kino and Juana, carrying the rifle and their dead child. Without a word to anyone, they walk through the village to the shore. Kino lays down the rifle, takes out the pearl, and throws it into the water