How to Stop Time

After speaking to Anton, Tom enters the staff room for his lunch break. His headache is bad again, and his tinnitus from the Spanish Civil War is flaring. He sits at a table, lunch unopened, eyes closed. When he opens his eyes, he sees the geography teacher Isham, Camille, and Daphne. Tom feels guilty for being rude to Camille earlier. He watches her take a pill with her apple juice. Against Hendrich’s instruction, Tom approaches Camille and apologizes for being rude. He notices Camille’s book, Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald. She asks if he has read it. Memories swirl in Tom’s mind. He is in both a London staff room and a Paris bar.

Heading home from playing piano for guests at a grand hotel, Tom steps into Harry’s Bar for a bit. He finds a place at the bar next to a glamorous couple who recommend a Bloody Mary. Tom orders one. The couple is Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. Tom and Fitzgerald discuss The Great Gatsby and This Side of Paradise. Tom says Gatsby was exceptional. Fitzgerald appreciates the praise and asks about Tom’s occupation. Tom shares that he plays piano at Ciro’s. Zelda asks her usual drunk question: “What are you scared of?” (178).