Summary

In "A Day Off," on the narrator's day off, she lies on her bed with her giant toad, Gum, listening to the sounds of the city. She wishes she had the energy to do something, but feels it "is destined to be an off day" (204). Gum stares into her eyes. Such eye contact is a form of intimacy that feels strange between humans. The narrator considers Mr. Ōya. Though they have only gone on one date, the narrator is certain there "must be something that sets him apart" (205). She wonders about the relativity of love and romance. None of it makes sense. She mostly enjoys "having someone to obsess over" (207). Perhaps she is not meant to experience real love. She and Gum have the closest relationship she has ever known. Gum has always been her protector. Now she and...