16

Summary

• Nell and Joe express that their father would have taken their mother to the hospital, a statement that appears to relate to a recent event.
• The family discusses a past event about possibly crossing paths on the road while heading in opposite directions.
• There's a memory of telling someone they passed the "Stage Manager" on his way to work.
• Joe reveals that he lied about being the brother to visit someone in the hospital after a play, reflecting on how he could lie well when necessary.
• Questions about being scared during hospitalization and surgery lead to reflections on independence and not wanting to worry family members.
• A call from Ripley asking about an accident prompts a discussion about a ruptured Achilles injury and details about recovery.
• Ripley insists that the injured person needs to return to L.A. for a film's publicity, revealing that the editor made them a star in the movie "Singularity".
• There's resistance to leaving a commitment to a summer stock theater, despite the opportunity in L.A.
• The chapter also explores the notions of family and solitude, along with memories tied to a past theatrical role.
• Jeanne, a nurse, assists with personal care before the protagonist is discharged from the hospital.
• A discussion ensues about how an individual did not receive a visit from a certain "Duke" before one of his performances, although he had a chance to do so.
• The protagonist confesses to stopping acting after a hospital stay at the age of twenty-five, leaving a significant emotional impact.
• There is a recollection of seeing another actor, Pallace, perform spectacularly in the role of Emily in the play "Our Town".
• A reflection on the transient nature of roles in life and how others can step into and excel in those roles is highlighted.
• Pallace's fresh portrayal of Emily in "Our Town" causes the audience insight into accepting new interpretations of the character, breaking their preconceptions.
• The protagonist realizes they will never play Emily again and comes to terms with moving on from that period in life, which was filled with both love and personal growth.