Summary

In Chapter 31, Elena writes a long letter to Lila detailing her excitement and anxiety about seeing Nino again. The family arrives, but Nino isn't among them. Nino's sister Marisa tells Elena that she knows all about her from what Nino has said, and also that he would come to Ischia in a few weeks. Marisa thinks Nino is cold and unfeeling, and cannot stand their father. Elena has dinner with the Saratorres' that evening, and gets along well with Donato and his wife Lidia. She enjoys a few days with them, and then Donato leaves.

In Chapter 32, Nino arrives and shows little interest to anybody in the house. Elena waits to connect with him but he ignores her. After a few days this changes; they talk about books and school. Every few days Donato comes back for a day, then leaves again. When...