Summary

In Chapter 16, “Doctor Bob,” Bowen had been suffering “from chest problems for some time” (241). His condition was so bad, he had little will to get out of bed. He had “been smoking” since he was 13 and knew his history with drugs could lead to tuberculosis (242). Per usual, Bob sensed Bowen “was unwell” (242). He would lie on Bowen’s chest, as if “performing some kind of diagnosis” (243).

Worrying that Bob’s intuition might mean something darker, Bowen made a doctor’s appointment. The doctor ordered an X-ray. Afraid of what the X-ray might reveal, Bowen procrastinated getting the scan. When his condition worsened, he returned to the doctor. The X-ray showed that Bowen’s lungs were “completely clear,” meaning he had an infection (247). After starting an antibiotic, Bowen’s condition improved. Bowen was grateful, especially since working with the publishers with the infection...