escape-and-isolation

The chapter follows Frank as he wakes from a troubling dream and spends the day in a distracted, dreamlike state, reflecting on the nature of reality. That evening, he seeks out Maya but finds her intimately engaged with another man, which stirs feelings of jealousy, anger, and confusion about love and attachment. Ultimately, Frank decides to leave, boarding a night train to Pavonis Mons, signaling a physical and emotional departure.