Summary

In Chapter 11, Tove and her parents move into the new apartment. Though she has her own room, she does not have a door. She and Nina continue spending time together. Nina helps fix Tove up so she can meet a man (159). One night she meets Kurt. They kiss outside the apartment. He is leaving for the war. Convinced he will die, Tove writes a poem about death.

In Chapter 12, people begin commissioning poems from Tove at the lithographer's. Nina pressures her about losing her "scandalous virginity" (165). Aunt Rosalia moves in with Tove's family. Tove is disturbed by her illness. She also feels tired of her family (166). Another night with Nina, Tove meets Aksel. Nina starts dating Egon, though she is engaged.

In Chapter 13, only two weeks "after knowing each other," Tove and Aksel get engaged (169). Alfrida "is thrilled" (169). One night, Nina and...