Part 2, Chapter 2: Sixteen Steps and Part 2, Chapter 3: The Slip Summary

The author arrives home after the funeral, slightly intoxicated, to walk the sixteen steps to his door. On arrival, he sees his ex-wife's red heels and realizes she is in the house. The two talk while he eats lunch, and he explains where he has been, realizing too late he no longer needs to explain. She tells him she is only there to pick up her remaining items, but when he offers to deliver them to her new home, she refuses. She states she still loves him, but knows that is no longer the point.

Once the ex-wife leaves, the main character takes a shower and goes about his day, only to have frequent thoughts of how empty the apartment is without her presence. He wishes briefly...