Summary

One night, as Anna and Wolfgang were sitting at home waiting for Richard to get home from work, Stella arrived soaked through with rain with her clothes disheveled. Anna tried to ask her what had happened, but she refused to talk to anyone and went to her bedroom, seeming distressed. Shortly afterwards, Richard arrived in a noticeably good mood. Anna observed Wolfgang’s reaction and feared that he understood what had occurred between Richard and Stella. Later, once Richard had gone to sleep, Anna went towards Stella’s room and heard her sobbing uncontrollably. She considered trying to comfort her but decided against it.

The next day, Anna considered whether she should try to intervene in the affair between Richard and Stella. She speculated that Richard would refuse to give her up as long as he was still attracted to her, but that...