Chapter 6 begins with Phoebe awakening in a hotel room, surrounded by the familiar scents that affirm her sense of being. The morning after a chaotic party, she is left to confront her feelings of grief and shame that have become part of her daily routine. Despite the weight of these emotions, she resists the pull of despair, especially after the emotional turmoil of her recent suicide attempt. She recognizes the need to reclaim control over her thoughts and actions, even if just by small, everyday tasks like brushing her teeth or drinking water. These actions, while simple, help her regain a sense of purpose and push back against the numbness she has been experiencing.

Determined to take further action, Phoebe tries to ground herself in her environment. She decides to take a bath, but is thwarted by the lack of a drain stopper, which leads her to the hot tub instead. In a symbolic gesture, she removes her wedding ring and slips into the plush hotel robe, a small yet significant act of releasing the constraints of her past. The hot tub becomes a place of renewal, where the heat begins to ease her physical and emotional tension. This moment of solitude becomes a quiet rebellion against her previous self, marking the start of a new chapter in her life. The act of embracing this change is made clearer as she steps into the tub, symbolizing her willingness to move forward.

While on her way downstairs, Phoebe notices an oddly arranged set of books in the hotel lobby and instinctively aligns their spines. This small act of orderliness serves as a defiance against the dullness of her surroundings, a reminder that even the smallest actions can counteract the feeling of being trapped in mundanity. Upon reaching the hot tub, she immerses herself in its warmth, feeling the stress and weariness of the past days begin to melt away. Her solitude is briefly interrupted by a man who joins her in the tub. Their exchange begins lightheartedly, offering Phoebe a rare moment of relief from her usual state of introspection. Their casual banter about appearances and life experiences serves as a refreshing shift from the weight of her thoughts.

The conversation soon takes a deeper turn when Phoebe opens up about her struggles with suicide. She reflects on the absurdity of her situation, considering the contrast between her internal pain and the festive environment of the wedding. The man listens empathetically and shares his own personal struggles, creating a sense of connection that both surprises and comforts Phoebe. What begins as a casual conversation grows into a moment of mutual understanding and vulnerability. They discuss the complexities of honesty, attraction, and the burdens they each carry. This exchange becomes a rare instance of emotional honesty for Phoebe, offering a glimmer of hope that connection, however fleeting, can still be possible.

Realizing the depth of her own desires, Phoebe openly expresses, “I want to fuck you.” This statement, raw and direct, signifies a pivotal moment in her journey of self-realization. Her previously held reservations about intimacy and vulnerability begin to dissolve, and she recognizes a yearning for genuine connection. The conversation with the man, while initially lighthearted, now carries the weight of unspoken truths, opening the door to the possibility of something more meaningful. In this moment, Phoebe takes a step forward in shedding her old fears and embracing the future with a newfound clarity about her desires and her place in the world. As the chapter closes, she picks up Mrs. Dalloway from the shelf, symbolizing a new chapter in her life, one filled with curiosity and the hope for what lies ahead after her pain. This small but significant act of reclaiming her interest in life offers a sense of agency, suggesting that Phoebe is ready to face the world with a renewed spirit, embracing the challenges and joys that await her.