Tova has to leave school early in order to start supporting herself. One low-paying job replaces another. Her youth is “nothing more than a mere flaw and a hindrance,” and, as before, Tove longs for poetry, love and real life. As Europe descends into war, she deals with quarrelsome bosses, goes dancing with a new friend, rents her first room, writes “real, mature” poetry, and remains determined in her quest for independence and poetic recognition.