The Promise

Desirée calls her mother, who helps her notify Anton’s few friends and business associates about his death. Only belatedly does Desirée realize she needs to call Amor. She cannot get in contact with Amor, however; Amor no longer works at the same hospital or lives with Susan, and neither the hospital nor Susan knows a current phone number for her.

Outside the church for Anton’s service, Salome wonders aloud where Amor is, and Desirée explains. Salome says she has Amor’s number. When Desirée berates her for not supplying it earlier, Salome replies that Desirée never asked her. Salome stays outside as the service begins so she can call Amor.

Moti conducts the service for Anton, striving for a style of “honesty” that lets the congregants share their own candid thoughts about Anton. This results in an odd, partly fond but partly grudging tone in recognition of Anton’s complicated personality.

Days later, after Anton’s body has been cremated, Cherise calls with dire financial news for Desirée: Anton left her with a good deal of debt. If she sells the farm, she can clear the debt and have a little money left over.