Pgs. 459 - 499 Summary

Alfred is unpacking the Christmas decorations in St. Jude. Enid doesn't allow him to drive now so he doesn't want to go to the store to replace broken light strings. He tries to fix the strings that don't walk but can't.

He remembers falling off the Gunnar Myrdal and clinging to the flotation device. He makes a choice in the water when he did not let go and drown. He knows that he chose a nursing home future. Alfred had imagined a retirement of hunting, fishing and recreation. He looks forward to Christmas because his children are coming.

Enid misses the Aslan pills she had been taking on the cruise. Her own doctor, Dr. Hedgpeth, wouldn't give her a sleep aid. She asks her friend, Bea, if she would buy some Aslan-cruiser in Europe. Enid buys the plane tickets to Philadelphia...