Summary

This chapter begins with a disjointed narration of Toby’s time in the hospital. This introductory narration ends with Toby’s memory of the burglars, which “came as a huge relief” to him because he thought it meant his troubles were over (44). Toby spends two weeks in the hospital, where his parents and his girlfriend, Melissa, visit him frequently. He begins to feel annoyed with his mother’s concern, and is deeply grateful for Melissa’s visits. During his time in the hospital, Toby’s anxiety and trauma increase. A neurologist reveals the impacts of his brain damage in addition to the physical harm he has experienced.

While he is in the hospital, two detectives named Gerry Martin and Colm Bannon (Toby then only refers to him as “Flashy Suit” for the rest of the novel [59]) visit him. They ask him about his attack...