Chapter 8 Summary and Analysis

Alan was released from Magee. After a week at home, Cathy brought him to an old hangout, the Lombard Swim Club. Cathy had to constantly explain what was wrong with Alan. Alan was terrified of the water and couldn't go far into the pool. Cathy also detected a large difference between how men and women reacted to Alan. Men were concerned with Alan's ability to have sex and return to work, while women were concerned with how Alan was feeling and whether he was comfortable.

On Magee's recommendation, Cathy forced Alan to attend day hospital, where he could continue to receive therapy by day and return home by night. Cathy had to deal with a regression of function on Alan's part, due to the environment shift, and also had to deal with Kelly's jealousy with respect to how much attention Cathy...