Summary

The protagonist receives a fax from his wife Louise. She says that their son Nelson is “doing better today” (17). She reports says that the family’s financial debt is increasing. The protagonist explains in narration that his son Nelson has an undiagnosed illness that makes his muscles stuff and painful. For the moment, doctors are unable to do anything other than prescribe medication to lessen the pain. Janet asks the protagonist about his son and family, and she states she is hopeful for his family.

The next morning, an executive named Greg Nordstrom asks the protagonist to have brunch with him. As they walk down the halls together, Nordstrom asks about Janet and if there have been any problems with her work performance. The protagonist, thinking about the potential layoffs, says that he has noticed no problems. Nordstorm then implies that he knows...