Summary

Elena arrives home for Easter in the midst of the drama with Lila. Her mother is eager to decry Lila's lot in life. Many of the neighborhood's residents come to Elena to discuss the issues, in particular how badly they were offended. Elena tries to be reasonable with each person that complains to her. Ada in particular interests her, and she enjoys being the source for everyone's advice and consultation. At first Elena fears that seeing Lila will make her feel small and insignificant once more, but on the contrary, Lila is small and fearful and needs Elena to calm her and hold her. In a rush Lila confesses Stefano's behavior, and gives Elena the box of notebooks, the very ones on which this narrative is based.

In Chapter 104, Elena takes the box unwillingly. They sit with the baby and eat; Lila mentions...