The History of Sound: Stories

A third-person narrator depicts the protagonist August’s story. August is living in Wells Slope, New Hampshire, when he becomes convinced his appendix has burst. At the Concord hospital, he meets a doctor named Chloe. She assures him he only has food poisoning. He returns to his cabin, where he’s staying for an arts fellowship.

A few weeks later, August runs into Chloe at a Concord bakery. They chat for a minute before August asks Chloe on a date. He’s only ever asked one person out, but he’s bored in Wells Slope and needs a change. Chloe agrees. A few days later, they meet up at August’s and take a walk. They spend the next month dating and having sex. Then at the farmers’ market one Saturday, Chloe breaks up with him, insisting she’s too busy with work.

Back at home, August calls his best friend Elizabeth. They’ve been friends since childhood and have kept up, although Elizabeth now lives in Laos. On the phone, Elizabeth tells August about a cobra she found in her house, and August tells Elizabeth about Chloe and his frustrations with the fellowship. Elizabeth suggests he get a job, insisting he’d be less depressed if he were busier.