Daily puzzle

Put The Swimmer back in order

Seven beats from our edition of The Swimmer by John Cheever, shuffled. Drag them, or use the arrows, until the story runs straight. No account, no streak to lose.

  1. The Lucinda River At the Westerhazys’ pool, Neddy decides to swim home through his neighbors’ pools, naming the route after his wife.
  2. Friends and drinks At the first pools and at the Bunkers’ party, Neddy is greeted warmly and feels young and strong.
  3. Early leaves A storm passes while he shelters at an empty house, and the leaves seem to be falling too soon.
  4. A public crossing Crossing a highway in his trunks, Neddy is mocked by drivers and then bullied at a public pool.
  5. Sympathy he cannot place The Hallorans mention his misfortunes, the sale of his house, and his children’s troubles, and he does not understand.
  6. Doors closing The Biswangers treat him as an intruder, and his former mistress Shirley Adams turns him away.
  7. The empty house Cold and exhausted, Neddy reaches his house and finds it dark, locked, and empty.