Section 5: p. 49-60 Summary and Analysis

The narrator has an out of body experience where he attaches himself to Eric. He feels the ache of his loss deep down, but Eric's death is Eric's loss as well. Eric can never see, hear, walk or be with his family again. The narrator dreams that he walks down a street with his friend when one disappears. He feels a sinister presence but is afraid of confrontation. A reassuring voice tells him to do what he must. One faces malevolence, not love, in death. The narrator still delights in things, but his passion is cooled. Without his loved one, his home becomes a house. The narrator is repelled by the ordinary manner in which life continues in stores and at his office. He is unable to jog or swim, though he used to enjoy both activities...