Offred has just experienced some very significant events. Sneaking out, being kissed by Nick, and finding out that the Commander wants to speak to her alone. She has a hard time describing how she feels...so she uses synesthesia. She feels like the sound glass makes when you swirl a wet finger around its rim. Because of being touched earlier by Nick? Or is she tensed up like glass ready to shatter? This idea of touch is becoming more of a motif now. It also makes the reader question her motives throughout. What is the more powerful motivation within her (before, now, and later in the narrative)? Love or lust? Can you have one without the other in a romantic relationship? She expands on the idea in this chapter. She jumps back in time to Luke. (Go figure!) She was pregnant. She discusses how the baby within her can hear the outside world and can be scared. But also be comforted. All the things everyone needs. They will make love anyway. She says that lack of love kills you, not lack of...