Summary

Leda returns to the beach and goes swimming. Afterward, she lies in the sun and observes Gino returning to his chair. Leda feels unhappy for Gino and Nina, but is also distressed by having surprised them. Memories and sensations from her past come rushing back, and she feels that "an encrusted sediment that had been lying for decades in the pit of my stomach was stirring" (93). Leda decides to leave the beach and drive home, and as she gathers up her belongings, she realizes that having Bianca and Marta go to live in Canada with Gianni is not good for her: "Losing your anchor, feeling yourself to be light is not an advantage, it's cruel to yourself and to others" (93). She worries that Nina is making a mistake by engaging in a "summer flirtation" with Gino and feels she must let Nina know (93).

As...