Summary

Phil enters a therapist’s office in Chapter 12. As the therapist asks questions, Phil provides short answers. He mentions that his father died from cancer, and his mother is doing well. However, Phil silently recalls that his mother grieved for six months and then took steps to move forward - something Phil cannot do. He also recollects his father’s last minutes: “He struggled for breath, his eyes furious as if he actually hated his own son” (118). He remembers (but keeps to himself) everything else in his life that is difficult, including Sam’s lack of respect for him, the fact that he lost his job, and the general state of affairs in the world. He leaves the appointment early, but the therapist encourages him to return next week.

In Chapter 13, Nisha cleans hotel rooms with Jasmine. She has spent five days cleaning...