Summary

On the morning of Drew’s birthday, Tom deletes his research into banks, insurance groups, and pharmaceutical companies. He drafts an email to Drew, apologizing for his absence and explaining that “I have not been able to bear this thought of myself as useless” (129). His laptop dies before he can send the email. Brian arrives at the 8; Tom—recognizing Brian’s jealousy towards Jamey—tells him that “maybe we all hurt the same” (131). Brian drives away recklessly, causing a minivan to hit the curb. Tom finds that the driver of the minivan is a young woman with two children. He invites them into his unit as the young mother, Caitlin, calls for assistance. Tom shows the children a book and considers them “two miracles in their corduroys” (138).

Tom returns to Dawn’s salon and asks to use her phone to call Drew. He...