The narrator is on his way to work when he runs into Ulysses, who is in a bad mood. Ulysses tells him that the mural on the wall is the history of his family. Ulysses says that it is too late, as an irreversible tragedy has taken place. The narrator realizes that Ulysses is referring to the "silver sand" that was placed on the walls during the purge nine years ago. Ulysses is upset that he has betrayed his brother and his family, and that he is using Evans as a shield. He tells Ulysses to get out of the way, because he is going to kill him. Ulysses refuses to leave the room, and the narrator tells him to be careful of the "rotary leaf evil spirit" that is flying toward him.