Summary

“The Rivals” begins with a description of a loud and physically violent confrontation between overweight Floristella, who lives near the Red House, and the achingly thin Pianon, who works as an accountant for Shay and Senna, and manages the House as a bed and breakfast when they are not there.

Still in present tense, the narration then describes the history between the two men that led to the confrontation. They are both Italian, having made new lives for themselves in Madagascar. Floristella has a wife and family back in Italy, while Pianon is both widowed and childless. They were once friends, sharing morning coffee together in such a ritualistic, friendly way that Shay, returning home from her morning swims, is reluctant to interrupt.

The narration describes the argument between the two being triggered by their rivalry over the beautiful local woman Noelline. At...