The Wrapper

Worried his memory will fade, the narrator resolves to write down his vision of verdant meadows and idyllic houses. He reflects on his asynchronous relationship with Joan.

The narrator describes his swarthy neighbors, the Zuccharases, and their comings and goings.  He recalls encountering their son, Angelo, a wide-eyed and blonde-haired boy of six.

Returning from dinner with Joan, the narrator enters his apartment and sits at his computer.  He notices Angelo looking over his shoulder and offers him conversation and a sweet.  Angelo eats the candy and looks through its pink cellophane wrapper with great interest.  The boy hands the scrap to the narrator, who puts it to his eyes and sees his computer replaced by a massive book overflowing with information.