Page 107 of Samson

In the beginning of his captivity, when God was still teaching him self-control, there had been one day when he’d been perched on the edge of the madness. His eyes had strained in the dark, searching for anything. The darkness messed with his head, and he’d ended up punching a wall. He was lucky he didn’t break his hand. But he was a different man now.

He slid to the floor, rested his head against the wall, and fell asleep.

The door clanged, and Samson’s arm flew to his face in reflex to protect his eyes from the light.

“Is it time already?” he said.

“I’m glad to see we haven’t had a repeat of earlier.”

“I haven’t had anything else to eat.”

“Get up.”

After he was cuffed again, he said, “I forgot to ask you if you had a good weekend.”

“You know I can’t tell you what day it is.”

They entered the hall.

“You don’t have to tell me how many days since the weekend, just whatever you did during the last one. I hope it was good.”

“Uh-huh.”

“You won’t tell me? What about your birthday? I’d like to know when it comes up.”

“Move.” He shoved Samson forward.

“Please. I’d like to wish you a happy birthday.”

“Why would you want to do that?”

“Why not?”

“We’re not friends.”

“I can understand why you don’t think so, but you’re the closest thing to a friend I have in this place.”

“How’d you figure that?”

“You’ve never been particularly nice to me, but you bring me food, and you never hurt me. Also, you got me a shower.”

“It wasn’t because I was being nice.”

“Doesn’t matter. It counts for a lot from where I’m standing.”

“I have no interest in being your friend.”

“I totally understand. But I consider you a friend. It makes being in here more bearable.”

“Why do you think I’d want to make things more bearable for you?”

“Good point. I hadn’t thought about that.” He continued shuffling down the hall, dragging his feet now and then for show. “Still. Is there anything you’d like to ask me? I’m an open book.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Why not? I’ve got nothing to lose.”

“Okay. I have been wondering about something.”

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