Summary

This section starts from Mimi’s perspective, right after Ben arrives home from delivering Waldo (94). She reflects on the similarities between Shenkman and Theo, and wishes he would “come home” (95). She goes to comfort Ben, who is shaken by the “‘close call’” he experienced with Alice (97). Then, she goes to prepare dinner for the two, who are spending New Year’s Eve alone (99). The phone rings, and Mimi picks it up – Theo is calling (100). They have not heard from him in years at this point. Mimi emotionally wonders why he left, and Ben tearfully takes the phone and entreats him to “come home” (101).

The action briefly shifts to Waldo’s newborn perspective (102). The narration reflects on how he is “unable to use his words,” even when he becomes an “esteemed professor of astrophysics.” Even as an infant, he “hears them...