Summary

In Part 1, Chapter 5, Andrei brings Seva to visit her closest friend, Emma Abramovna. Seva and Emma had originally met in the 1940s, at a university where they both worked as professors. Andrei sits and listens as the two women converse. He notes that Emma appears to be much more optimistic in disposition than Seva is. Emma has difficulty walking, even with the use of a walker/crutch, but her sons help to take care of her. A little later, Andrei sees news that the American financial system has begun to collapse due to a large, previously undetected over-inflation of the housing market. Andrei continues to teach online courses, but he is not allowed to teach as many courses, which effectively cuts his pay since he is paid per course. The next day, Seva collects rent money from three European men to...