Summary

Iza wakes up the morning following her mother's departure, peaceful in the knowledge that she has the whole day to herself as Domokos is at a conference. She is therefore irritated when the phone rings, and the sound indicates that it is a long distance call. When the operator tells her that it is a call from her hometown, she immediately feels annoyed with her mother, but it is Antal calling to tell her that her mother has died.

Iza interrupts Domokos' conference to tell him what has happened and to ask him to take her home. As they drive, she wonders if he understands her because he loves her or because he is a writer. He, in turn, wonders whether Iza's ability to leave him alone to work would be enough for their marriage to be a success. During their...