Summary

The chapter “1996” continues: as Ellis leaves Len and Carol’s house, he closely observes the painting, including the signature of the artist, John Chadwick. Another day, as Ellis goes out for a walk, he sees his old co-worker from the repair shop, Billy, kissing his boyfriend, Dan, in the grass. Ellis recalls how, in June 1978, Michael had elegantly prepared Mabel’s garden for their combined bachelor/bachelorette party.

Another day, Ellis goes for a swim at Long Bridges, and recalls how Michael would excitedly recite Walt Whitman poems to Dora there when they were kids. This causes Ellis to recall how Michael and Annie had gone to a local book talk together, and had in fact both died in the same car accident. When Ellis was at the hospital, he was informed by the doctors that the AIDS‌ virus had already thoroughly spread...