Summary

Isabel sits on the stairs and studies Robbie’s recent post on Wolfe’s page. Since the start of the lockdown, Isabel has become more preoccupied with Robbie and Wolfe. She cannot help feeling abandoned by them. Before the coronavirus outbreak, Robbie quit his teaching job and traveled to Iceland. He has been trapped there “for almost four months” (120).

The apartment has felt smaller since the lockdown. Isabel has no place “to be alone” (120). She likes the stairs, but still feels stuck. She thinks about the uncertainty of the future. She misses Robbie, but wishes she could feel “happier for him” (123).

Robbie is staying in a cabin in Iceland. He has reconnected with the natural world since his relocation. In the cabin “he’s off the grid” (125). He has limited access to calls, texts, and emails (125).

Isabel emails Robbie. She updates...