“Pulling out the papers
From the drawers that slide smooth
Tugging at the darkness
Word upon word…”
~ Peter Gabriel.
September & October 1992.
Gary reaches out to Michael and invites him out for beers. When Michael arrives at Gary’s new place in Medford, he’s shocked to see him living with Sue. Gary intentionally keeps Michael waiting, leading to an awkward exchange between the two of them since their breakup the previous May.
Moni delivers an ultimatum to Ronit – it’s her and the children, or Samina. Without hesitation, Ronit suggests that it’s time for her and the children to leave. Across town at the Sea Rock Hotel, Rajani passes out in the lobby and is rushed to the hospital.
Gary and Michael bar hop in Cambridge just a few blocks from Harvard University. Over a few beers, Gary shares his poetry and asks Michael to accompany him to the next “Stone Soup” poetry meeting the next evening. Michael politely declines the offer, since he already has plans with Cassie.
Samina arrives at the hospital with Ronit and checks on her mother. Though doctors insist on more tests, Rajani refuses and chalks up her “fainting spell” to stress. Ronit insists that Rajani should move in with him, and too tired to object, she goes along with his plan. By the time they arrive at his home, Moni has already left with their two children. While Rajani rests, a concerned Ronit fears that Samina’s latest film might be a flop.
Meanwhile, at a swank Brookline restaurant Cassie breaks up with Michael over dinner. When Cassie excuses herself and leaves the table, Michael summons the waiter, pays the bill, and takes the “T” across town in time to catch the final thirty minutes of poetry readings. Gary spots him in the crowd and introduces him to Jack Powers, the leader of the poetry group, along with his new girlfriend, Sarah.
