Summary

The narrator studied her father. He looked thin and tired. There was stubble on his chin (275). The narrator was glad he did not ask about her. She had nothing to share. She doubted he would want to hear “the banalities of this life right now” (275). Since the virus emerged, many things had changed. The narrator considered the oddities that now defined her reality.

However, “some things had stayed the same” (275). For example, spring had arrived. The earth “seemed to be enjoying itself” (275). The narrator did not think speaking of her mundane existence was relevant in light of this or her father’s condition.

The narrator knew the specifics of Dan’s condition, but still asked if he was comfortable. Although his surgery “had been a great success,” his hip would apparently never be right again (276).

Shifting around in the bed, Dan said he...