This Interlude takes place at an unspecified time during Einstein’s 1905 dream phase as he walks with his friend Besso. This isn’t a dreamworld but rather a reminder that the story began with a character named Einstein who spent months in mind-exhausting dreams before arriving at the theory of special relativity.

The narration is omnipotent and reveals Besso’s internal thoughts. Einstein is 26 years old and has already completed his PhD and published several papers. He holds a job at the patent office, but his primary fixation is on the nature of time, which he wanted to understand “to get close to The Old One” (39), by which he means God. Besso’s brother is visiting, and he won’t see Einstein much as a result. He worries about his friend.

In this dream, the world is about to end. The fixed date for the world’s destruction is universally known, and consequences are thus separated from actions as the end draws closer. People live without fear of consequence, freely having affairs, stripping naked, traveling with abandon, rekindling relationships, and abandoning relationships. As a result, they feel liberated, are kind and generous, and live harmoniously. As the world ends, everyone holds hands in peaceful silence.