Vivaldo is troubled by cryptic nightmares in which he is chased through a dangerous, confusing world. He wakes up in Eric’s bed with Eric kissing his neck and tries to remember how their embrace began. Vivaldo gives himself up to the moment and they have sex. After, Vivaldo thanks Eric for showing him a new perspective on his own sexuality because he now feels “clear, washed, and empty, waiting to be filled” (242). Vivaldo is shaken from his reverie, but he remains certain that he loves Eric, even if they may never express their love for one another ever again. Their moment is interrupted by the telephone: Cass calls Eric, wanting to be with him after her argument with Richard. Eric agrees to meet Cass later in the afternoon. He discusses the “messy” (244) situation with Vivaldo, who insists he does not feel guilty about anything. As Vivaldo makes coffee, Eric thinks about everything that has happened until his thoughts are interrupted by a phone call from his agent. The agent has booked an audition for Eric, who he assures is “going to go right over the top” (247). Vivaldo and Eric toast Eric’s success with whisky then drink their coffee.