Nature reminds Edna of her position as a mother by making her crave her children’s presence periodically. The first night that she is alone after Leonce’s departure to New York and the children’s to Iberville, “she talked intimately to [the doggie] about Etienne and Raoul” (Chopin 81). Even in her excitement about her freedom, she can’t help but think about her absent children. Then, after confessing her love for Robert out loud for the first time, she is inspired to go to the confectioners and purchase bonbons to send to the children, accompanied by “an abundance of kisses” (Chopin 91).