Nine Perfect Strangers

Frances is surprised that she agreed to go on a meditative hike at 8am. She’s even more surprised that she’s enjoying the experience, especially in contrast to the ever-more-rapid pace of modern life. While Frances is lost in her thoughts, Heather nearly walks off a steep cliff. Despite the near accident, neither Zoe nor Napoleon says anything. The hike continues.

Later that day, Tony Hogburn returns to his room. He’s angry and cynical about the constant silence and meditation at the spa. Still mired in grief following the loss of his beloved dog Banjo, Tony is also ashamed that the small amount of exercise has left him so exhausted. He isn’t close to his children, grandchildren, or ex-wife, but a recent medical diagnosis has meant that he has little time left. He feels a need to change, but his optimism about the spa is quickly fading. Still, he feels embarrassed by his interaction with Frances at the side of the road. Like his ex-wife, she made him feel like an “amateur human being” (105). He laughs in disbelief when his shorts no longer fit; as a former professional athlete, he has never thought of himself as overweight.