Pages 100 – 198
Tension crackles. Between the five: Adam, Evelyn, Katja, Simone, Michael and later, Pepi, whose parents own the home at which they’re all staying.
There is also political tension in the air, people are gathering at borders trying to get from Eastern Europe to the West. But even to move from East Germany to Austria and then on to Hungary takes a lot of effort and forbearance. Everyone must have their papers in order, and even then, crossing anywhere isn’t a guaranteed thing.
Adam really doesn’t understand why Evelyn is mad at him. He just doesn’t understand how having sex with his clients should matter when she’s the one he loves.
Evelyn starts having sex with Michael which really perturbs people, especially Adam. None of the main characters seem to really know what they want, except to be angry at each other.
At a bar, Micheal’s car gets broken into. All his and Evelyn’s papers have been stolen. Adam drives them, including Katja, to the embassies in Budapest.
Michael tries to explain to Adam what it’s like to live and work in West Germany. The differences between East and West. Adam really sees no reason to leave the East, which mixed up Evelyn has now decided that she wants to leave.
Michael has overstayed his vacation days from his job and heads back. Evelyn starts having sex with Adam again. These two continue to argue about everything and nothing.
The news is reporting that in a few days, the borders will be completely open and people will be able to come and go more easily. Adam is skeptical. Evelyn is hopeful.