Summary

Owen finally “wrote [his] jungle narrative,” basing it on his connection with Alma (128). Realizing their characters were too recognizable, he made changes. While reading later, he considered how “books were as real as anything else” (129).

The next day, Owen and Alma went for a drive. Owen remarked on the surroundings. Finally, they visited a flea market. Alma was surprised by the Civil War memorabilia. Browsing a selection of Kentucky-themed mugs, Owen realized his “desire to both honor and criticize” where he was from (136). On the drive back, Owen wondered if his and Alma’s relationship “would . . . survive” a car accident (138). After sex later, Owen looked in the mirror and watched Alma watching him. He wondered who Alma imagined him to be. Then he told Alma he lived in his “grandfather’s basement,” alluding to his difficult life beforehand (139). Alma was offended he had...