Ulysses awakes to Dr. Meescham’s eye staring at him: It is “mesmerizing and beautiful […] like staring at a small planet, a whole sad and lonely world” (117). Ulysses’s life has become interesting and profound since he was sucked up by Tootie’s vacuum, and he no longer worries about anything, even death. When Ulysses hears Flora talking to the doctor, he is instantly comforted to know she is there. Dr. Meescham doesn’t seem to be helping, and Flora learns that she is a Doctor of Philosophy; it was Dr. Meescham’s husband who was a medical doctor. Ulysses hears opera music and feels peaceful as Flora and Dr. Meescham discuss whether or not he has a concussion. Flora asks Ulysses if he remembers the events at the donut shop, and he nods. Dr. Meescham is amazed to hear of Ulysses’s powers, and tells Flora that his power of understanding is equally important. She asks Ulysses if he feels sick, and when he shakes his head, Dr. Meescham is confident that he is fine.

Flora wonders if she might be in shock, as she feels slightly dazed and confused. She notices a strange painting on Dr.