Summary

In Chapter 49, Elena reflects on her life circa 2002. Her older daughters live in the U.S., Imma in France. They visit annually and beg their mother to visit in the United States. Elena is proud of how she fought and pushed her way without giving up. Once she hears her girls almost poking fun at one of her novels, and she wonders what exactly she has to show for all of her hard work. She falls into a depression about the level of her work; what if Lila has something better?

During Chapter 50, Elena daily fears that Lila will call her with a manuscript that eclipses her own. The years bring her good fortune; then in the year 2005 she goes through a time of leanness and worry. She visits Lila and they find Gigiola dead in the gardens. The death hits Elena...