Summary

In Chapter 1, Adam Krug studies a puddle outside the hospital where his wife, Olga, is dying. He studies all of the images that pass over it, noting the surrounding trees, fences, and houses. He will always remember these scenes.

In Chapter 2, Krug talks to Olga. She is disoriented and confused. She dies shortly thereafter. Krug leaves the hospital. Overcome by grief, he sobs. He is frustrated with himself for not being able to control this emotional version of himself.

He continues walking, encountering a group of soldiers near the bridge. They will not let him pass before seeing his paperwork. They argue for a while. Then, as one soldier leads Krug to the other side of the bridge, Krug is flooded with memories of Olga. He observes his surroundings, feeling "an intimate connection with the black lacquered water" (10).

On the other side of...