The Guncle

That evening, Patrick chats with John over the fence, confiding that being a caretaker feels like a different version of his life. Still, Patrick has doubts about his approach. He worries he can’t reach them and therefore can’t help them navigate the grieving process. John suggests a child psychologist, and Patrick jokes that their conversation about Heaven might call for a priest. As Patrick remembers his partner, Joe, killed by a drunk driver, John asks why he stopped acting. Patrick replies, “It wasn’t fun anymore” (106) and realizes that because he now wants to help Greg with child support and any unpaid medical bills, he will have to go back to work soon. John, who turns out to be a former minister, offers to speak with the kids, but Patrick declines. He’s not sure if John’s straightforward approach is the right one.

Patrick visits his agent, Neal, and his accountant to create a detailed plan—helping with the kids’ college tuition, general living expenses, etc. Patrick and Neal argue, and Patrick finally acknowledges how much he dislikes Neal. He fires him and decides to hire Cassie instead. On his way out, he dictates a list of tasks to the stunned Cassie: reactivate his social media accounts, plan a big party, and find out where he can get a dog.

Patrick and the kids dine out with a new dog—Marlene Dietrich—curled up at their feet. Grant asks to watch YouTube, but Patrick says no, fearful of too much screen time at such a young age. He rants about the self-indulgence of social media, calling those who create it performers without purpose, but his argument falls on deaf ears. Finally, Patrick agrees to film them doing silly things for YouTube, hoping this will allow the kids to open up about their grief. After texting Greg, wondering why he hasn’t heard from his brother since he’s entered rehab, Patrick orders cotton candy, fashions it into mustaches for the kids, and he records the sweet moment.

The night of Patrick’s party, when Cassie shows up in a prim white dress and sensible shoes, Maisie finds her something more suitable from Patrick’s caftan closet. Patrick is impressed by Cassie’s party planning skills: She invited “All of his friends and few of his frenemies, but none of his enemies” (131). He mingles, relishing the feeling of community and aware of its fleeting nature. Patrick is keenly aware that his guests judge him for retreating to the desert at the height of his fame. Patrick toasts the crowd, citing the need for joyous occasions to ease them through difficult times. The guests break out in spontaneous Christmas carols—a nod to the Christmas tree the kids put out even though it’s July. In the midst of the fun evening, Patrick flirts with a young, up-and-coming TV star, Emory. At the party’s height, Clara bursts in uninvited. She is shocked and distressed by the goings-on.