Summary

In Chapter 2, “Beasts of the Field,” when Fyodor got home, he discovered that his boyfriend Timo was over. Dreading a fight, Fyodor considered “backing out and driving until he ran out of gas” (53). He was exhausted from work. He “worked in beef, as a leaner” (53). The job had become a primary source of tension in his relationship. Timo believed it was “a variety of animal cruelty” (54). He was vegetarian and regularly nagged Fyodor about quitting.

Timo was listening to piano music. This meant he had seen Goran, a musician and friend. Timo was distracted. In the shower, Fyodor felt hurt. When he emerged, Timo remained aloof and withholding. Then he remarked on the smell of Fyodor’s work clothes. They started arguing about the job. Fyodor could not understand what had happened to them. At the start of their relationship, everything seemed possible. Realizing...