Ned may not have been in any of the fine museums that New York has to offer, but he's certainly familiar with Central Park. Digby has adjusted to the city, but Ned knows how unhappy he would be if they didn't make it to the park at least once a week, so he could run and roll in the grass and greet the various other dogs of the city.

Ginsberg is just so blase about getting hit in the face that he makes Ned feel a bit ashamed of himself for making such a big deal of it. Perhaps he really is too paranoid, should grow up and accept that altercations - occasional ones - are just a part of life. He doesn't think he could ever manage Ginsberg's level of bravery (and foolishness), though. Ned doesn't have it in him.

"So there's at least a chance your father won't automatically assume that I'm a terrible influence?"