Athena's Apartment

Athena's apartment is located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC. A cosmopolitan center, this location underscores Athena's success as a writer. In the opening chapter of the novel, June agrees to accompany Athena back to her apartment even though she no longer feels like spending time with her friend. She does so because she is curious about Athena's space.

June is taken by the apartment immediately. She is particularly enamored with Athena's writing studio. She peers into the space, observing Athena's furniture, belongings, and evidence of her enigmatic writing process.

Athena and June spend the evening drinking and laughing together. Not long after making pancakes for themselves in the middle of the night, Athena chokes and dies. Although she is shocked by her friend's death and her own inability to save her, June does not leave the apartment without first stealing Athena's manuscript and notes...