Section 32 Summary

Adam has reached Rutterburg, refreshed and at ease on his bike. The town is deserted as if a holocaust has struck. He looks for a phone booth but is not sure what he would do with it and the thought makes him sad. It's a hole so he tries not to think about it.

Adam turns the corner, sees the hospital and pedals towards the gates, glad to be back. Dr. Dupont is waiting for him, as always; he is soft and gentle. Adam looks outside through the gates and vows to ride his bike out there someday. He announces he didn't take the medicine. "Welcome back, Skipper," says the old maintenance man. He is always planning trips and reading maps; the veins on his face resemble the road maps he is always reading.

"Well, what do you know - the traveler's back...