Ted thinks about the person he was when he walked into Chevy with Don. Ted was still excited about work. Even though he knew about Frank's illness, he didn't think his best friend could die on him. He felt so hopeful, life still held so many opportunities. In a prison of guilt he created, all of his hope and joy in life were slowly stripped from him. In the course of a year he has lost his best friend, lost his standing in the firm he started, and fell in love with a woman that is not his wife. He wonders if he is going through a mid-life crisis, or if he is actually losing his mind.
The move to California did not have Ted's desired effects on his family. Instead of being closer, he feels more isolated from home life than ever. He drinks in his office well into the evening hours either putting together model airplanes or watching TV. The thought of going home to be nagged by Nan is not appealing in the slightest. They haven't been intimate in months. Ted notices the indifference he has felt for Nan for years has leaked over to her heart. The boys are busy with school, their friends, and sports. Even when Ted is home, the boys are usually out somewhere.
The idea of moving back to the city is frightening, yet comforting at the same time. At this point he is unconcerned with how Nan will react. Six months ago the thought of divorce would have terrified him. Now it seems like it might set him free. He isn't sure if it can get any worse than it currently is.
Peggy arrived home that night to more issues with her brownstone. She remembered the phone number for the cute handyman Nick that is tacked on her refrigerator. She dialed the number and Nick answered on the second ring.
"Uh, hi, Nick?" Peggy began.
"Yeah, this is Nick, who is this?"
Clearing her throat, Peggy continued "This is Peggy Olsen. You worked on my ceiling tile a few weeks ago."
"Oh yes, Peggy, the landlord and book aficionado. I couldn't forget you. What can I do for you?"
Peggy laughed a little, "one of my tenants put a hole through the wall. Is that something you're able to fix?"
"Sure, not a problem, I'll be over tomorrow."
"Great, I'll see you then."
Peggy plopped down on her couch. She hears a knock on the door and lets Julio in. "The TV is all yours."
"Ok, can I have some chips?" Julio asks.
"You know where they are," Peggy turns her head towards the kitchen.
Peggy spent the rest of the evening sitting on the couch with Julio watching Hawaii 5-0. She looks at his plump face with a sad smile. Her time with her new friend is limited and it squeezes her heart thinking how much she will miss him. Maybe she can get his mom a job at the office instead? This thought gives her some comfort.
Peggy has tried to keep Ted off her mind, but with this surprise visit at the office, her mind keeps cycling back to him. She wishes she could just sever the string that connects her heart to his.