While Herbert indulges himself in his grooming ritual, he neglects to attend to his small ivy plant that has been clinging to life for several years. The last time Herbert thought about it, two weeks ago, he significantly over-watered it, which caused it to suffer from root rot and general malaise. However, it now desperately needs to be watered again, and waits helplessly in the sun.

It is also far from his mind that the last time he spoke to his mother, he absently promised to call her today. She has been waiting by the phone for two hours. Herbert's father is away on a fishing trip, and she is feeling a little lonely. Momentarily, she will remember that nice, bald man she met at the airport the other day, and the free vegetarian dinner he spoke of. That sounded like a nice way to meet people...

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