The Women Cantwell Remembers

Across the River and into the Trees

This flow follows Cantwell’s reflections on past relationships and how they inform his determination to love Renata differently, despite the time they have.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Three Earlier Losses Three Earlier Losses from "Across the River and into the Trees". Three Earlier Losses A private count Cantwell thinks of three women he has loved and lost, comparing the losses to battalions lost through mistakes and…

Three Earlier Losses from "Across the River and into the Trees". Three Earlier Losses A private count Cantwell thinks of three women he has loved and lost, comparing the losses to battalions lost through mistakes and…

Three Earlier Losses A private count Cantwell thinks of three women he has loved and lost, comparing the losses to battalions lost through mistakes and impossible conditions. He sees emotional failure through the language of command. Fear of repetition His new relationship brings both hope and dread. He knows that his own brutality and poor judgment may have contributed to earlier endings.

The Failed Marriage The Failed Marriage from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Failed Marriage A question from Renata Renata asks what happened between Cantwell and his wife.

The Failed Marriage from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Failed Marriage A question from Renata Renata asks what happened between Cantwell and his wife.

The Failed Marriage A question from Renata Renata asks what happened between Cantwell and his wife. He describes a marriage shaped by her ambition and his absences on duty. Regret without repair Cantwell admits that marrying her was a mistake, but refuses to dwell on it for long. The past remains a warning rather than a story he wants to repeat.

The Journalist’s Betrayal The Journalist’s Betrayal from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Journalist’s Betrayal Private matters exposed Cantwell says his former wife wrote about information he had shared with her.

The Journalist’s Betrayal from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Journalist’s Betrayal Private matters exposed Cantwell says his former wife wrote about information he had shared with her.

The Journalist’s Betrayal Private matters exposed Cantwell says his former wife wrote about information he had shared with her. The disclosure gives Renata reason to worry that their own relationship might become material for someone else. Reassurance offered He promises not to tell her about Renata and insists that there is no other woman in his emotional life. The exchange tests whether the past can be trusted to stay in the past.

An Exorcised Memory An Exorcised Memory from "Across the River and into the Trees". An Exorcised Memory The former wife recedes Cantwell and Renata joke about the woman’s absence and decide to forget her.

An Exorcised Memory from "Across the River and into the Trees". An Exorcised Memory The former wife recedes Cantwell and Renata joke about the woman’s absence and decide to forget her.

An Exorcised Memory The former wife recedes Cantwell and Renata joke about the woman’s absence and decide to forget her. For a moment, the old marriage has entered the room and nearly unsettled their intimacy. A fragile clearing Cantwell says the memory is gone, and for the moment it seems true. The scene reveals how deliberately the couple must protect their limited time together.

A Different Kind of Love A Different Kind of Love from "Across the River and into the Trees". A Different Kind of Love Careful commitment Cantwell tries to be gentle and attentive with Renata, acknowledging the mistakes of earlier relationships without…

A Different Kind of Love from "Across the River and into the Trees". A Different Kind of Love Careful commitment Cantwell tries to be gentle and attentive with Renata, acknowledging the mistakes of earlier relationships without…

A Different Kind of Love Careful commitment Cantwell tries to be gentle and attentive with Renata, acknowledging the mistakes of earlier relationships without claiming he can undo them. He wants to love her without making her an object he owns. No guarantee Their love is real, but age, illness, and Renata’s refusal to marry remain. The relationship becomes meaningful through its limits rather than despite them.

During Cantwell’s first evening with Renata

During the morning conversation at the hotel

Moments after Cantwell describes the marriage

Later in the same morning conversation

During the final day before departure