Chapter 2 Summary

Mehring returns from a trip to Japan and takes a walk by the river. They are four years into a drought, and the river is very low. He doesn't need that water, though, since he has his own well system. He lies down in the grass and falls asleep for some time. When he wakes up, momentarily confused, Mehring realizes that he bought the farm because he thought it would make a great place to bring a woman. The farm is secluded and has no pesky witnesses, at least none he cares about. He has a particular woman in mind as he continues his walk. It is his current girlfriend, Antonia, who has a "love / hate" relationship with him.

Mehring returns to the farmhouse to take a shower. An unexpected phone call brings a visit from the De Beer family. There are three...