Part I: Section 20 Summary

Kathy and Lester buy groceries as casually as if they'd been together for years. Lester was angry about her being robbed of her house, and Kathy is somewhat dizzy from the beer they'd split: she promises herself not to drink any more that day. They head for Lester's friend's fishing cabin on the Purisima River, driving until the road narrows, then walking the rest of the way to the cabin. Lester cleans out the cooler, and Kathy puts on steaks. He pours wine for both-and Kathy sips away her vow. The next morning they clean the filthy cabin of its fish scales, cigarette butts, and cobwebs.

Part I: Section 20 Analysis

The now-clean cabin-without power and running water-is their new home. Kathy is concerned that Lester is worrying about his family. She does not want him to wear a condom...