Summary

XVII (124-130) — Lily notes that Evan’s “utopian ideal” was close to being realized (124). She observed the artists obsessive work ethic, their daylong studio sessions where they painted on massive canvases and sculpted objects. One day, after wandering around, Lily stumbled upon Helena. Lily considers her hollow relationship with Helena, the fact that they’ve “never had a proper conversation” (125). But on this particular day, Helena confided her past with Lily, telling her how about her upbringing and how she met Evan. Helena was painting as they spoke, but was insecure about showing Lily her work.

Lily and Eva came across Jerome cutting poppies in the kitchen, a narcotic plant imported from Europe. He explained to the girls that consuming the drugs was “all in the aid of transcendence” (130).

XVIII (131-139) — Lily was going on nine months of residency...