I started thinking how old Phoebe would feel if I got pneumonia and died. It was a childish way to think, but I couldn't stop myself. She'd feel pretty bad if something like that happened. She likes me a lot. I mean she's quite fond of me. She really is. Anyway, I couldn't get that off my mind, so finally what I figured I'd do, I figured I'd better sneak home and see her, in case I died and all. I had my door key with me and all, and I figured what I'd do, I'd sneak in the apartment, very quiet and all, and just sort of chew the fat with her for a while. The only thing that worried me was our front door. It creaks like a bastard. It's a pretty old apartment house, and the superintendent's a lazy bastard, and everything creaks and squeaks. I was afraid my parents might hear me sneaking in. But I decided I'd try it anyhow.
This passage reminds me of something that I always do. I find myself often daydreaming about how my death would affect those around me. Death is such an interesting topic to think about, because people no so little about it. It's mysterious because nobody that discusses it has ever experienced it. Also, like Holden, I start thinking about what the reaction would be to my death-- but since I won't be able to be in attendance I'll just continue to wonder...
Our foyer has a funny smell that doesn't smell like anyplace else. I don't know what the hell it is. It isn't cauliflower and it isn't perfume--I don't know what the hell it is--but you always know you're home.
Scents are an important way to distinguish surroundings. Scientists even reported that smell triggers the most memories. Holden discusses his familiarity with his home by relating it to the smell. This reminds of Professor Burke and his dog he used to identify criminals in Crime Catchers. The nose and it's capabilities are powerful and help humans store wining information.
A lot of people, especially this one psychoanalyst guy they have here, keeps asking me if I'm going...