The Door

Eventually, Emerence reappears. Magda is surprised by how little she knows about her elderly neighbor, and Emerence reveals that she’s expecting a special visitor. Magda knows better than to question Emerence about the mysterious visitor, but she notices that Emerence is more nervous than usual while she prepares. Emerence asks to host the visitor in Magda’s apartment. Magda’s husband is bemused but agrees. As the visit draws near, Emerence is “like a madwoman restraining herself with an iron will” (71). Magda knows that Emerence won’t thank her, but will remember the favor. She suspects that Emerence doesn’t want her visitor to know that she lives alone without family.

On the day of the visit, however, the person cancels “for business reasons” (73). Magda pities Emerence for spending so much on food for a guest who cancelled. Emerence is furious, Magda can tell: This is the only time she sees Emerence cry. Emerence gives the expensive food to Viola as she weeps “inconsolably,” directing insults at the dog that Magda believes are really intended for the guest. Emerence doesn’t explain the situation. Magda worries that a “deeper issue” has upset her.