Summary

The narrative moves forward 22 years to 1989, when the protagonist is in his mid-fifties. He had been regularly visiting his dying father in the hospital and spending his recreation time swimming, but he finds that he is becoming short of breath when he exercises. He is diagnosed with blockages in his coronary arteries, and the doctors determine that bypass surgery is necessary. His third wife Merete (the second having been Phoebe) is of very little help during the ordeal, as she has trouble remaining calm during crises. Howie visits the protagonist as the protagonist recovers from his surgery. The day nurse is Maureen, who attends the protagonist’s funeral 16 years later. After the protagonist goes home, he hires Maureen to continue taking care of him as he recovers, and they have a sexual affair, unbeknownst to Merete. The narration notes that Howie and the protagonist...