Chapter 16 Summary

Several weeks after seeing Professor Saito last, Julius calls and a woman that is not his typical nurse tells Julius Saito died. Julius realizes now that he didn't visit the professor because Julius was trying to avoid death. Julius finds out the funeral is private—for friends and family only. Their friendship was so private, Julius realizes he might not be included. Julius calls Nadege, who is now living in San Francisco. While he's talking to her, Julius hears a man's voice in the background. Nadege admits she's engaged and getting married later in the summer. She asks Julius not to call her. Julius listens to classical music and then walks to the post office to mail a book to Farouq. The man at the post office that helps him is black. The post office worker starts reciting some of his poetry...