Denver feels content with the intimacy that she shares with her phantom sister. Beloved, however, does not share Denver’s contentment and continues to press for some unnamed fulfillment. Sethe questions Beloved about her mother, her relationship with whites, and her clothes, but Beloved provides insubstantial replies: She remembers only the bridge and one white man. Sethe concludes that Beloved must have been locked away by a lecherous white male who abused her.
Denver remains convinced that Beloved is the ghost that once haunted 124, and she conceals from Sethe the fact that Beloved is now Paul D's lover. Denver’s daily discourse with Beloved is limited to discussions of their chores, neighbors, and family. By winter, Denver is consumed with the task of holding Beloved's interest. One day, the two girls enter the shed for cider, and the door bangs shut. In the dark, Denver weeps because she fears that Beloved has returned to the other side, leaving Denver with "no self."
Like a spoiled, manipulative toddler, Beloved reappears and smiles at Denver's clutch on her hem. Suddenly, Beloved points, but Denver sees nothing. Beloved curls up, closes her eyes, and rocks. Denver, failing to understand, asks if Beloved is alright. Beloved directs her gaze to the darkness, telling Denver that she will find Beloved’s face there. Denver sees nothing.
