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Several days after sleeping with O-90, it was I-330’s turn to visit D-503 for sex but she did not show, and he again put down the curtains as she requested. D-503 reflects on how she is crucial to his understanding of the underground corridors in the Ancient House and his feeling of “temporary death” (46) there. In the evening, the next day, D-503 receives a visit from U-, the older woman who is a controller in his block of flats. U- tells D-503 that she is still deciding on whether she wants to sleep with him. She shares rumors that at the upcoming “Day of Unanimity” (47), where they all vote for the Benefactor, there may be some dissent.

During a prescribed mass walk, D-503 sees the Guardians lead three Numbers away. D-503 then sees a woman whom he mistakes for I-330, who throws herself between the Guardians and their charges in an attempt to free the arrested Numbers. D-503 responds by moving to help the woman when the Guardians close in on her. He belatedly realizes that she is not I-330 and stops midway and wants to cry out “catch her!” to save himself (49).