Summary

In the fifth paragraph, Mitch speaks again to Mayfly. He says, “my heart has been down the road and back for you” (229), which seems to mean that he has loved her for a long time and through many tribulations. He then counterpoints this this idea by stating his age—48 years—as a reason why he can no longer live his life in an entirely passive manner. He says, “I got to use some time that is mine to make everything feel right. I got to try to feel how I need to” (229). Mitch says that he has specific needs that Mayfly does not even seem to notice anymore. Mitch says that he thinks Mayfly has too many needs of her own to be able to give time and energy to Mitch’s needs.

In the sixth paragraph, Mitch notes in narration that Mayfly gives...