Chapter 8 Summary

The next day, Colin and Mary finally leave their hotel room to go to the beach. At breakfast that morning, Mary had repeated to Colin the story of Robert keeping the picture of him. Colin listens attentively, but makes no comment. Upstairs, as they change for the beach, the pair has an emotional breakdown, overcome by the vulnerability incurred through loving someone.

As they sit on the beach, Colin finally tells Mary about Robert hitting him in the stomach. They discuss Caroline's captivity in her own home and the very real probability that she is an abused wife. After a long time spent in silence, Mary rises for a swim. Colin lies listening to the sounds of teenagers playing volleyball until he finally gets on his feet to see where Mary. She is about two hundred yards from shore - barely a dot...