String Theory

Summary

• Before planning to take her own life, the character Nora is seen to arrive late to work at a musical instrument shop, String Theory, blaming her tardiness on her cat's death.
• Her boss, Neil, has a conversation with Nora about her ongoing depression and her history at the store. Despite her loyalty over the twelve years and eleven months she's worked at the shop, he feels that she is destined for better things.
• Neil questions Nora about her life choices and what led her back to their hometown after a year in London. She had previously been a university student and was part of a band with her brother Joe.
• Neil informs Nora that her brother was recently in town and bought an amp, a fact that surprises and disturbs Nora as her brotherJoe, was aware that Friday was her day off.
• Although Nora insists that she is "happy" with her job at the store, Neil disagrees and brings up the unfortunate fact that the shop cannot afford to keep her, especially given her current depressive state, which he believes negatively impacts customers.
• The chapter ends with Neil firing Nora from her job at the musical instrument shop, String Theory.