Summary

In “Still (1962),” Ernest thinks, “From that moment I found her bleeding in the street, I never let go again” (230). Through Ernest’s thoughts, the narrative explicitly tells the reader that Fahn is Gracie. Gracie is discharged from the hospital and goes home with Ernest, despite their daughters’ and the doctors’ protests. Although Gracie does not always remember Ernest as her husband, she always remembers him as her friend. Rich remarks that Ernest has so many books that it seems like books are Ernest’s religion. Rich is unimpressed by a postcard of Edvard Munch’s Christmas in the Brothel. As Rich looks through Ernest’s postcards, he asks, “So, who’s Margaret Turnbull?” (234)

In “Faded (1910),” Ernest and Fahn are back at the Tenderloin. The other girls find marks on Fahn’s arms that Mrs. Blackwell interpret to be tracks of...