Jonathan is fascinated by a barista at the coffee shop. He was told once that she was labelled a troublemaker. Toole is reminded that his father, an internationally renowned civil rights attorney, was called that as well. He relives his father’s last days, and we find Jon lays the blame for his father’s fall in court at the feet of his rival. Jon pulls himself out of the regret and grief to engage in an awkward conversation with the barista. At one point, the barista, one Bebe Beauregard, frustratingly calls Jon Freaky Boy. They are both shocked. Back at home, as Jonathan lies in euphoric limpness, the two cats talk of their fear that their “boy” might be slipping back into a coma-like depression. Essie is off to the kitchen for a drink when she hears a rat. She discovers Ratso behind an air duct cover, mocking her.