At the hospital, Raymond and Eleanor approach Sammy’s bed, and the old man takes them for salespeople or proselytizers until he inserts a hearing aid. Raymond introduces himself and Eleanor as the ones who called the ambulance for Sammy. Sammy brightens, expressing gratitude to his “‘Good Samaritans’” (77). Eleanor contradicts Sammy’s assumptions that they saved his life and that she and Raymond are married. Then Sammy and Raymond chat about themselves, Sammy’s former mail-carrier job, and his family. Raymond and Eleanor promise to visit again; Eleanor feels surprised and pleased by Sammy’s affectionate clasp on her hands and his insistence that “‘we’re family now’” (81).

As she and Raymond exit the hospital, Eleanor discovers tears in her eyes. Raymond asks about her plans that evening, and Eleanor remembers that it’s her birthday. Raymond invites Eleanor to his mother’s house. Eleanor considers seeing someone else’s home, which she hasn’t done since a coworker’s party several years back, during which the woman sold her guests sex toys. She decides, despite her misgivings about socializing, to accept Raymond’s invitation. 

Eleanor and Raymond board the bus to travel to his mother’s home. On the way, Eleanor waxes on about travel passes, and Raymond barely responds.