Summary

In Episode 8, Portico and Zola knock on Herbert’s half door. Not long before, Portico “found an earring in the hall” (216). After asking nearly everyone in the building if the earring belonged to them, Portico decided it must be Herbert’s.

When Portico shows Herbert the earring, he says it is his. Then he invites Portico and Zola into the boiler room. Portico eagerly accepts. The room is hot. Herbert says the space “is like [his] very own gym” (222). He uses the pipes for pull-ups. The only trouble with the room is that he can hear all of Portico’s parents’ fighting. Portico feels embarrassed, explaining that they are sorting through their things before moving into “two new apartments” (224). Herbert asks if that means they are “getting a divorce” (224). Realizing Herbert might be right, Portico feels the frets coming on. Herbert says the...