Summary

Part three begins with Chapter 20 from Daniel's point-of-view. Daniel recalls meeting his wife, Mira, in 1987 while they were both studying at the University of Chicago. She was studying art history with an emphasis on Jewish art and they discussed Judaism. He recalls lying in bed after their wedding and praying to God to make the relationship last, despite his atheism.

In Chapter 21, it is shortly before Thanksgiving 2006 and Daniel is at work at the Military Entrance Processing Station in Albany where he provides medical evaluations for prospective soldiers. His superior informs him that he needs to be less rigid in his analysis, essentially he needs to push through more men and women, healthy or not, because the army needs bodies. When Daniel is reluctant to agree to this, he is placed on a two week suspension.

Daniel drives home to Kingston...