Summary

In Chapter 25, Elena confesses that she lives with Mariarosa for months. Without Nino back in Naples, and having burned bridges with Adele, she has few options. Her sister-in-law treats her coolly but allows her and the girls to remain. Nino tries to get her back but has not promised that he has left his wife.

In Chapter 26, Elena languishes in guilt and indecision. Her daughters revel in the lack of school and the great excitement their aunt’s home affords. Her sister-in-law slowly grows more critical of Elena and puts her in a difficult position.

Chapter 27 sees the narrator trying her best to assimilate her children into her career. She finds that Mariarosa’s sometimes live-in lover and Elena’s college boyfriend, Franco Mari, cares for her daughters on a regular basis, and the girls adore him. She marvels at the great...