An introduction to Murun, who lives in a crack under a kitchen cupboard full of damp and squalor. Murun has an unrequited love for his neighbour, who finds him "a bit odd, and rather disgusting".
Murun spends a week in bed, deeply upset after he overhears that people find him smelly and disgusting. When everyone he knows confirms it's true that he's revolting, Murun struggles to come to terms with it.
Murun is distressed when a beetle enters his crack under the cupboard and he can't rid of it. As the beetle stays for a few days, will Murun get used to his uninvited guest?
Murun's neighbour calls round, determined to tidy up the squalor of his crack under the cupboard. Unfortunately for Murun, being clean and tidy isn't something that comes naturally.
Murun had gotten over his feelings for his neighbour, but when she introduces him to her new boyfriend, the flashy Nigel Clarke, Murun feels only bitterness and resentment towards him.
Murun's self-absorbed cousin Rossiter comes to visit, and Murun can't wait to get rid of him.
Murun's neighbour is upset after her hamster dies, her mother is ill, and her boyfriend is seen with another woman. But as much as he tries to sympathise, Murun can't stop thinking about a missing piece of navy blue raincoat lining.
Murun has arranged to take his neighbour to the cinema - unfortunately for Murun, Nigel Clarke has got her concert tickets on the same night.
Some of Murun's friends call to visit, but visitors are the last thing he wants after he wakes with a migraine.
Murun's neighbour calls round unexpectedly, and Murun insists he needs to tidy before she can come into his crack under the cupboard - but is he telling the truth?
Murun's cousin Rossiter makes another visit, and so Murun tries to make the evening go quicker by opening a bottle of wine. But, when drunk, Rossiter reveals the truth about his various stories.
Murun's neighbour is about to return from a two-week holiday in Miami - but as Murun prepares a meal to welcome her back, will he ultimately end up disappointed?
Murun is self-conscious that his eyes are too close together, and tries various means of disguising it. But when his next door neighbour calls round to cut his hair, he feels sure she'll be able to cheer him up.