Chapter 21 Summary

All through the next week, Rachel and Izzy walk together. Every day Izzy leaves her in the apartment lobby and says in an offhand way, "I suppose you're coming tomorrow?" Another week passes with the same pattern. The walks are slow, tedious, and filled with random pointless remarks about the traffic and the weather as Rachel tries to make conversation.

Every evening Shirley presses Rachel for details about Izzy's health. Is he wheezing more? Is he eating enough? Does he seem to be getting weaker? Finally, under Rachel's repeated attempts at conversation, Izzy admits that only a fool would be positive he won't fall again. . . and Izzy's not a fool.

When Rachel complains about how boring the walks are, Helena suggests she use the time to get to know Izzy better, like an oral history project. "You're such a blooming Girl Scout!" Rachel...