Summary

In the red diary, Irene writes accounts of fictional affairs that she says led to the births of Florian and Riel; she writes that none of the children have one molecule in common with Gil” (154). Later, she apologizes to Gil for claiming that the children are not his. Riel reads the letters of George Catlin and determines that “the worst imaginable things really did come true” (158). That night, Gil and Irene drink together. When Irene passes out, Gil paints a portrait of her naked.

In her blue notebook, Irene hypothesizes that “if I can convince Gil that he is not the father of our children he will let us go” (162). Riel hides food, water, and other resources in the basement closet. She often wakes with her face “wet with tears” (166).

Irene visits May’s studio; May apologizes for helping Gil with the surprise...