One day, Bud’s supervisor, Allen, tells him that the team is concerned about him; they’re worried that something is “compromising” his work performance. Allen gives him some brochures on local programs that might be helpful, and—when it becomes clear that Allen is not giving Bud the chance to say “no”—Bud selects Lost Lambs Christian Guidance. Bud knows that Catherine is a “ten-out-of-ten,” but he frequently fantasizes about a “plump and dowdy” woman whose gratitude arouses him (78).

Lost Lambs meets twice a week, led by Miss Winkle. Her daughter, Perry, accompanies her mother. At his first meeting, Bud confesses that he’s having marital problems. He recalls that Catherine asked him to go to marriage counseling a couple of times, and he overheard her describing him as a lead weight on her, but he feels that their troubles are typical. After the meeting, Miss Winkle assures him that sharing will get easier.

That night, Bud tells Catherine that he’s joined a self-help group now that she’s decided to “dismantle” their lives; she refers to the change as broadening their horizons, but he derisively calls it “[f]ucking” others. She tells him that he’s “stuck,” and he impugns her mental health and her artistic aspirations.