The prostitute who visits Holden’s hotel room is named Sunny. She is sent to Holden’s room at the Edmont Hotel after Maurice, the elevator operator, offers to arrange the encounter for five dollars.
Sunny arrives expecting to have sex, but Holden becomes nervous and uncomfortable. He tells her that he recently had an operation and tries to persuade her to stay and talk instead. His awkward reaction reveals that he is curious about adulthood and sexuality but is not emotionally prepared for the encounter. Holden is also still a minor, which makes the scene especially troubling beneath his attempts at comic narration.
Sunny leaves after Holden pays her the agreed amount, but Maurice later returns with her and demands an additional five dollars. When Holden refuses, Maurice punches him, while Sunny takes money from Holden’s wallet. The incident deepens Holden’s sense of loneliness and vulnerability.
Sunny is often confused with Sally Hayes, who is Holden’s former romantic acquaintance and later date. Faith Cavendish is another woman Holden considers calling, but she is not the prostitute who comes to his room.