Echoes of the last realm

said. Sam would never get into a hostel at that hour. He would end up sleeping at the Greyhound station or a McDonald’s. No sweat, Sam said. He had done it before. He was grateful

h anything smaller than an M2 Bro

wenty-third floor of a high rise. In the foyer, they rem

re not aller

N

g-haired calico ignoring them on the loves

ined with three tall, matching bookcases, almost full. To one side of them was a hallway, down which Sam could see two open doors to the bedroom and the bathroom; on the other side was an eat-in kitchen. On the walls were several photos. There was Marvin’s wife in a hospital bed with a b

s,” Marvin said. “And I mi

ith anythin

der: “Beer and water in the fridge. You’re welcom

and looked out at the night, clear

, a quilt, and two pillows. He put them on the couch and

O

ver from a top shelf. “I want you to h

read: The

I cou

of the strikes kill with one blow, once you master them. I’ve dog-eared some of my favorites. It’s actually pa

on’t n

u take care of it, it’s gott

Thank you

kitchen. “Take a load off. I’m going to grab a beer a

t, th

rom the kitchen, “the line, i

sor

. “The line is: ‘I believe that the desire to plea

rto

out, Marvin closed his eyes and recited: ‘My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself,

, isn’t it

. It

f you’ll excuse me, gotta wash up.” He waved towards the couch, the kitchen. “H

t of the apartment some hours before dawn, leaving a note: “M