Summary

"Impasse" takes place in 1992 during another Bangkok riot. As Nee walks through the streets, she remembers her terror from sixteen years ago. Nee does not participate in the current demonstrations. Instead, she goes to the hospital to pick up Pehn's medication. The elderly woman has grown ill and she has not visited the doctor for some time.

Pehn dislikes her apartment as it is small and boring. She also feels considerable arthritic pain. For relief, she takes glucosamine pills that Sammy had sent her from the United States. The pills are controversial among doctors, but Pehn finds them effective. On the way to open the door for Nee, she thinks about her many friends who recently died.

Nee gives the pills to Pehn, who invites her to stay for cake and tea. Pehn directs Nee's attention to Sammy's photograph on the wall...