Adrianne calls the police one night in January 1993, alleging domestic abuse and telling the officers about all of Charlie’s oddities and cruelties. Charlie attempts to die by suicide through ingesting drugs, and the author shares his history of similar attempts. His first occurred when he was nine, a second after his mother’s death, and then several while in the Navy. While recovering at Warren Hospital, Charlie speaks with a nurse named Michelle who is sympathetic toward his feelings of sadness and his situation. Charlie has romantic feelings for her, and Michelle is drawn to his charming side. Charlie and Adrianne start their divorce proceedings, and Charlie moves into a basement apartment in Phillipsburg. Michelle and Charlie start to date.

Charlie falls in love with Michelle, but his intense emotions aren’t reciprocated. She ignores his frequent gifts and, when he confesses his love, starts to avoid him. He starts to call her repeatedly until Jerry, Michelle’s on-and-off boyfriend, answers the phone and tells him to stop. Charlie thinks that Michelle is sad but that he can save her.

In March 1993, Charlie begins to drive by Michelle’s condo. He spends a night driving between his house and hers, calling her each time he arrives back home.