Summary

In "Dependency," Part Two, Chapter 1, Ebbe is devastated when Tove says "there is someone else" (313). He doubts Carl can offer her what she needs. She cannot tell him she is in love "with a clear liquid in a syringe and not with the man who had the syringe" (314). At the start of her relationship with Carl, Tove finishes a new collection. Afterwards, she stops thinking about writing, preoccupied with when Carl will give her more Demerol. She starts feigning an earache to get more shots.

In Chapter 2, Carl grows possessive. Whenever Tove tries going out with friends, he promises to give her Demerol if she stays home. She always agrees. When the drug wears off, life feels unbearable. She cannot even write. One day, Carl's friend tells Tove he is worried about Carl's mental health. He has suffered a psychotic break before...