Ordinary People: Chapter 10 Summary & Analysis

Lazenby, Stillman, Truan, Genthe, and Van Buren make plans to see a movie. Lazenby would like to invite Conrad, but Stillman protests loudly. He considers Conrad a "flake" and a burden to the group. Likewise, Genthe complains about the extra time and attention Salan gives Conrad during swim practice. Lazenby tries to defend Conrad as a friend, but the other boys try to dissuade him from spending too much time with Conrad.

From Salan's office, Conrad overhears the conversation coming from the locker room downstairs. His coach is unhappy with him too, since it's implied that Conrad has just asked to leave the swim team. Salan feels slighted, as he's made an extra effort to work around Conrad's therapy sessions. Conrad works to remain calm during the conversation. He tells Salan that his decision is for the best. Disappointed, Salan warns Conrad that he won't let him back onto the team, and dismisses him.

Conrad clears out his locker, then heads to Lazenby's car for a ride home. Lazenby asks if Conrad would like to go to the movies that night, but despite Lazenby's insistence Conrad declines, claiming that he has to study instead. Lazenby finally reaches Conrad's house and promises to pick him up the next day for swim practice. Conrad awkwardly refuses the offer; he explains that his dad will give him a ride instead. He avoids telling the group that he's quit the team.

Cal makes his routine stop by Conrad's room to check in with him. Conrad flatly claims that he's doing fine—for the time being, he doesn't want to tell his dad about his decision to quit the team. He tries to convince himself it was the right choice; he feels that swimming had lost its thrill long ago. Heeding Karen's advice, he decides that what's most important is not to let this or any other recent event weigh too much on him. To relieve stress, he decides to masturbate.