Infinite Jest

Don Gately carefully watches everyone who returns to Ennet House before curfew, speculating which ones might be engaged in sexual relationships. He must log any suspicious activity. Randy “oozes” (601) through the door just before the curfew, and Don locks the front door. Bruce returns a few minutes later, and Don issues a punishment to him while quizzing him for any potential hints that he might have relapsed. Much to Don’s displeasure, he knows that he must now ask Bruce for a urine test. Bruce agrees but seems disturbed by something.

Each night, the patients must move their parked cars. If they do not, their vehicles will be fined or towed. As Don tries to organize the parking issue, he notices Randy’s erratic behavior. He knows that Randy is high. Don allows the patients to exit Ennet House to move their cars. Once outside, he sees Randy being harassed by a group of three men. One of the men has a gun. As Don approaches, another one of the men pulls out a knife. Don walks toward them. The men are not American. As his experienced eye appraises the situation, Don explains his position and the nature of Ennet House.