Summary

In Chapter 4, Harold and the Hotel Guests, Harold walks several miles the first day and spends the night in a motel. He thinks back to his childhood. His mother never wanted to be a mother. His father was a normal man before the war but changed after. He learned that he was better off when he kept a low profile. He didn't make friends at school but he also didn't make enemies.

During the first day of his walk, he meets a man who congratulates Harold on his journey and announces it to everyone in the bar. Harold calls Maureen and is disappointed that she doesn't share their enthusiasm. He knows he doesn't have a plan. He also knows that he'll never start the walk again if he goes home to prepare or if he even evaluates the distance on a map.

The...