My Year of Rest and Relaxation

In January of 2001, the narrator commences her new sleep regime. Before her period of intensive rest begins—as a measure to restart her life with a blank slate, which she believes is necessary for true rebirth—she gets rid of nearly all her belongings. She enlists Reva to inherit her massive, largely designer wardrobe and jewelry collection, to Reva’s mixed delight and puzzlement. The narrator explains that she will be going on a trip and will not return until June 1. Reva asks if it’s rehab, but the narrator remains vague. The narrator packs up the rest of her belongings, including furniture, appliances, and personal items, and donates them to a thrift shop. She keeps only her mattress and a small set of clothes, towels, and enough toiletries to last her until June. When she resurfaces from sleep every three days, she will eat, drink, and do some exercises and laundry for one hour before going back to sleep.

A locksmith installs a new lock on the outside of the narrator’s apartment door to ensure that she cannot get out without a key, which is in Ping Xi’s possession. In exchange for keeping her locked in the apartment and fed,

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