Summary

As Leda prepares to leave the beach at sunset, the Neapolitan family continues its party nearby, largely ignoring her. She has been unable to ignore the group all afternoon, pretending to read while listening to their voices and laughter. They have brought food and drinks from the motorboat and seem to be celebrating an occasion. As Leda gets up to gather her belongings to return to her apartment, the pregnant woman approaches her, holding out a plate with dessert on it. She tells Leda it is her birthday, and they exchange names: her name is Rosaria, and she is celebrating her forty-second birthday. She tells Leda she is pregnant with her first child and asks if Leda has children. Leda tells her she has two grown daughters, ages 24 and 22, and Rosaria is amazed that Leda is old enough to have adult children, telling Leda...