Chapter 10, Seal Woman, and Chapter 11, Ebb and Flow Summary

Joan A. and Joan E. quickly became best friends, instantly recognizing that they were kindred spirits. Joan E. wrote a poem for Joan A., urging her to have patience while she strove for answers. Joan E. encouraged Joan A., which was the first time that someone actually affirmed Joan A.'s decision to come here and live separately from her husband. The two women went on walks together, going on a treasure hunt to find objects which could bring them understanding of their own souls.

In April, Joan A. found her carefully cultivated solitude being bombarded with guests who wanted to share her cottage. First, Joan E. asked her to host some friends of hers, a psychologist and his wife, who was an Episcopal priest. Joan was lured by...