 Seth begins a relation with a woman named Ruthie , whom he first spots while conducting a search at the Toronto Reference Library . He remains self @-@ absorbed and pays little attention to her interests , though she shows enthusiasm for his and discovers Kalo 's real name — Jack <unk> . Seth learns Kalo had spent his life in Seth 's own childhood hometown of Strathroy in Southern Ontario ; when he makes a visit there he refuses to allow Ruthie to accompany him , and a month later breaks off the relationship , to his later regret . 
