- Now we get Steinbeck's reflections on being home in Northern California, where he grew up. Apparently, he did a lot of arguing with his sisters about politics.
- Then, he went to visit a friend named Johnny Garcia who owned a local bar, and Johnny begged Steinbeck to stay. Steinbeck said he couldn't, but this gives him the opportunity (in terms of the narrative, of course) to reflect some more on what it's like to return home after a long absence. Shorter Steinbeck: things change.