Summary

Chapter 9 opens with a phone call between Frank and his mother. He told her about his concerns for Cleo’s mental health, and his mother said he should get Cleo a pet to help with her loneliness. After getting advice from Eleanor, Frank bought a sugar glider from a stranger online. The seller allowed Frank to pick his sugar glider and he chose a female, saying, “I want her” (165). When the seller asked if she should get another girl for him, Frank replied, “No, no… she’s enough for me” (165). When Frank returned to the apartment, Cleo was in a manic state as she read about a female painter and passionately argued that the painter was more talented than her male counterparts. Her mood brightened when Frank revealed his gift. Despite her dislike of his infantilization, he said, “A baby girl for my baby...