Summary

In Chapter 3, “Go, Thoughts, on Golden Wings,” Chloé makes her way “into the gardens surrounding the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla” for a performance of Nabucco (46). Waiting for the show to start, Chloé recalls meeting Jay in her philosophy PhD program. She felt drawn to him, particularly his classroom manner. Then one day before he graduated, they encountered each other in the hall. Chloé offered him one of the countless oranges from her bag. She felt silly when he left, having wanted to be his friend. He emailed her later asking to meet up.

Chloé watches a group of friends happily drinking wine nearby. They speak to her in Italian, but she does not understand. She is surprised when they hand her some wine. Then she realizes they are laughing at her. One man explains that they gave her the wine to...