Renata’s Final Day

Across the River and into the Trees

This flow follows Renata through Cantwell’s last day in Venice, as she holds to her choices while making the most of the time left to them.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

An Early Call An Early Call from "Across the River and into the Trees". An Early Call Seeking contact Renata calls the hotel twice and asks where Cantwell has gone.

An Early Call from "Across the River and into the Trees". An Early Call Seeking contact Renata calls the hotel twice and asks where Cantwell has gone.

An Early Call Seeking contact Renata calls the hotel twice and asks where Cantwell has gone. She wants to meet him soon and confirms that he still has the emeralds. A shared private world Her reference to the portrait shows that she knows he has spent the night speaking to it. Their relationship includes both tenderness and the humor that helps them face separation.

Breakfast in the Flooded City

Breakfast in the Flooded City Meeting at the square Renata meets Cantwell in the cold morning light and asks whether he is well. They decide to have breakfast at the Gritti rather than stay in the flooded square. Ordinary companionship They talk about sleep, the weather, and the city. The simple conversation lets them be together without turning every moment into a discussion of death.

The Last Gift The Last Gift from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Last Gift Choosing the figure Renata selects a jeweled ebony figure and asks Cantwell to buy it for her.

The Last Gift from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Last Gift Choosing the figure Renata selects a jeweled ebony figure and asks Cantwell to buy it for her.

The Last Gift Choosing the figure Renata selects a jeweled ebony figure and asks Cantwell to buy it for her. She wants the gift to come from him, even though she can afford it herself. A memory to carry The small object will remain with her after Cantwell leaves. Its meaning depends on their exchange, not on its material value.

The Request to Travel The Request to Travel from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Request to Travel Asking to go along Renata asks to ride with Cantwell to the garage while the car is prepared.

The Request to Travel from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Request to Travel Asking to go along Renata asks to ride with Cantwell to the garage while the car is prepared.

The Request to Travel Asking to go along Renata asks to ride with Cantwell to the garage while the car is prepared. Cantwell warns her that the extra time will make the parting harder. Choosing presence She insists that she does not care and wants to remain with him. Her decision gives her agency in the goodbye, even though she cannot change its outcome.

The Boat Home The Boat Home from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Boat Home The last embrace Renata and Cantwell kiss and say goodbye near the landing.

The Boat Home from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Boat Home The last embrace Renata and Cantwell kiss and say goodbye near the landing.

The Boat Home The last embrace Renata and Cantwell kiss and say goodbye near the landing. He accompanies her down the steps and lets her choose the old motor boat for her return. An open future The story does not show what Renata does after leaving. Her grief and love are certain, while the rest of her life remains beyond the ending.

The morning after Cantwell’s first night in Venice

The same morning, after their telephone call

Late morning on Cantwell’s final day in Venice

At the garage landing before departure

Immediately after the final kiss