Summary

In the last chapter, titled December 21st, 1940, Tootsie observes that Zelda seems healthier and happier without Scott in her life. Zelda, however, misses him and says he is now a “remade” (361) man.

Zelda tells Tootsie a story about a river that her aunt once told her. In the story, the river has no name because it is dangerous, and naming it would make that danger real. Once someone falls into the river, their mind becomes too confused to ever make it out. Zelda says that both her and Scott have been stuck in this metaphorical river for years.

World War II is in full swing, which sickens Zelda. She spends her time reveling in nostalgia while living in Montgomery, wondering what her life would have been like if she rejected Scott’s marriage proposal all those years ago. She decides her life...