The story begins with Jay asking Ben to go to his hotel room. From that conversation it is inferred that Jay is depressed: the women in his life have abandoned him; he has lost his job as a high school teacher and now works as a day labourer; he has declared bankruptcy; and spends his days reading blogs.
The story begins with Jay asking Ben to go to his hotel room, which implies a sense of isolation and depression. He is experiencing significant personal difficulties, including job loss, financial hardship, and relationship issues.