Summary

Richard has no room for modesty anymore, and Bill is an experienced carer. Once Richard has carefully—and with fear for the future—stepped over the bathtub wall, Bill showers him. While shampooing his hair, Bill always takes extra time to tenderly massage Richard’s head. Bill’s showtunes exasperate Richard, but listening to classical music he cannot play is more painful.

Bill shaves Richard and styles his hair, and they banter about who is luckier: Richard with his full head of hair, or Bill with full use of his muscles. Bill brushes Richard’s teeth, then massages his arms. His touch is careful and clinical, but it is a reminder that Richard’s body is still alive and worthy of care, no matter how jarring the sight of his unresponsive arms.

Bill selects clothing with Richard’s approval, dresses him, puts the...