of the novel presents a vivid scene of mourning, as the sisters gather around their mother's coffin, showcasing their reactions to loss and how it affects each of them differently. Evelyn, the youngest, expresses a naive contemplation of death, contrasting with Marianne's pragmatic understanding. Meanwhile, Agnes Elisabeth, the eldest, grapples with her newly assumed maternal role while seeking to maintain their household. The mood is somber yet tender, with a blend of innocent yearnings and serious discussions about their future. Ultimately, this opening paints a poignant picture of the complexity of grief and sisterhood, hinting at the challenges and changes that lie ahead for the Hellwege sisters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)