Section 8 Summary

Mantini's villa is silent and abandoned with Mohammed gone, and the winemaking ceased. There is nothing left for Mantini to do but pack a few things and drive into town. Most of the shops are now empty or abandoned, but Mantini finds a small place to buy coffee and a brioche that he takes back to his shop.

Mantini can smell the rich fragrance of the coffee beans roasting outside and marvels at the crusty brown perfection of the roll on his plate. Mantini is in awe that someone still has the courage and energy to bake amid all the desolation.

Mantini goes into the little room, where he and Carla had spent so much time. He sees the book that she had been reading lying face down. Mantini has second thoughts about his romantic notions about this place and wonders to himself...