In the story, a man without hands arrives at the narrator's door, offering to sell a photograph of his house. The man's appearance is described as ordinary, aside from the chrome hooks where his hands would be, highlighting the striking contrast between his physical condition and his demeanor. This detail subtly introduces themes of vulnerability and perseverance.

The scene sets a tone of introspection, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of human experience and connection. The presence of the man prompts the narrator to think about love and understanding in a world often marked by limitations and unexpected encounters.