In this short scene, the reader is introduced to a number of characters. The first is Jim Park, who is translating a court translation of the novel of the same name. He tells the reader that he will be returning to England the next day. He asks the reader if he has seen a doctor, and the reader replies that he has, but that he is not sure if it is because he is sick or because he has not received any texts from the doctor. The reader is relieved to learn that the doctor has not been sending him any texts, but he is still worried about the doctor's absence. When the reader questions him further, he learns that he had planned to visit the doctor this week, but had not received a reply. He also learns that Jim has seen another man, and that he did not want to see him again. He is glad to hear that he holds him dear, as a friend, and as a lover. He says that it is his fault that he feels so miserable, and he asks if he can nurse him back to health.