The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey

Ptolemy is finally able to sleep deeply after the side effects of his injections subside. He dreams of his childhood friend Maude Petit, whose house caught fire. Ptolemy had been unable to save her at the time, but in his dreams, he sets her free from the burning building: “Ptolemy wondered how he could have lived for so long but still the most important moments of his life were back when he was a child with Coy McCann walking at his side” (221). By the time he awakens, his fever has increased, and the doctor’s pills aren’t working as effectively to quell his symptoms.

After Robyn leaves that morning, Ptolemy calls Reggie’s widow, Nina. Her brutish boyfriend Alfred answers, but eventually, Ptolemy gets through. He tells her that he has something for her from Reggie. He promises to meet her at Niecie’s house on a day when Nina regularly visits her two children there. Even though she pleads to know what Reggie left her, Ptolemy won’t tell until he sees her in person.

Later that morning, Shirley arrives to visit with Ptolemy, and she’s brought along some fudge. When Ptolemy gives her back her emerald ring, Shirley is touched by the gesture.