Chapter 4 Summary

Phillip recalls a time when he arrived back at his Manhattan apartment. He came in the door, dropped his luggage, and gave Holly a hug. She made a comment that it must have been worse than usual. Phillip poured out tales from the trip while she smoked and listened. She said he was obsessed with his family.

Phillip admits this is a fight they often had, complaining about their families. When he got the call the night to go to Memphis, even though Holly had moved out, he thought of calling her about it.

He didn't, but thought all night about the letters Alex had written and what to do. Phillip remembers when he met Alex, shortly after the move to Memphis. Alex thought he was an "exotic creature" from his dress and his look. The boys in Memphis wore a different sort...