Summary

Part 2, “The Invertebrate: Five Years Earlier” continues with the chapter “We’ll Take a Cup of Kindness Yet for Auld Lang Syne.”

On the way home from the animal hospital where Lily has been left for surgery, Ted and Jeffrey grab Chinese food to go. Ted calls his mom about the situation. His mom comforts him, telling him it is natural to be so upset because Lily is his baby. Later that night, Ted receives a call from the vet who explains that Lily has come through the surgery fine. The vet is cautiously optimistic that Lily will slowly but surely and fully recover. Knowing that Lily will be fine motivates Ted to attend his sister’s wedding.

In “I’m Afraid There’s No Denyin’/I’m Just a Dandy-Lion,” Ted gives the reader a list of eight times he was cowardly, ranging...