Part 2, Chapter 1 Summary

Without Hanna's presence, Michael's life slowly returns to normal. According to his brother, Michael calls out Hanna's name in his sleep. About six months after Hanna vanishes, Michael's family moves across town. Michael finds school throughout 1959 and beyond to be easy. Sophie is diagnoses with tuberculosis and is sent away to a sanatorium to recover. Michael finishes high school in the spring of 1962 and starts university in the fall, choosing to study law. He becomes determined to never be humiliated again, to never feel guilt, and to not love. He adopts a posture of arrogant superiority.

Sophie returns from the sanatorium after three years and commences again her relationship with Michael. Now older, she quickly yields herself to him, and they have sex. Aside from sexual intercourse, however, Michael is not interested in or available to Sophie. She entreats and cries...