(no subject)

[lastgunslinger]

Roland has been awake for some time.

His coughing has yet to stop.

His eyes are bright and glassy.

He's really tired of looking at the ceiling.

Welcome to hell, he thinks. You deserve it.

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[lastgunslinger]

Roland closes his eyes. He feels lighter and heavier at the same time.

But he breathes easier.

After five minutes or so: "What -- " He stops. No use talking that way. What are you reading?

[boy-not-lost.livejournal.com]

A book that Val gave me. It's her story, actually, or at least part of it. It's mostly about her youngest brother, he says, holding the cover up for him to see.

[lastgunslinger]

Mm. Because it's hard to nod when you don't want to move.

Then, almost cautiously: Say sorry you saw me and Joe outside.

[boy-not-lost.livejournal.com]

Don't apologize for it, he says, flipping the book open. I would have been angry if I had missed it.

[lastgunslinger]

A pissing contest between two grown men who should have known better? says Roland, and his voice is rueful. And a little bit angry.

[boy-not-lost.livejournal.com]

There was truth in some of the things said. There was also a good deal of piss, as you say. But it concerned me to a degree and I would be there to hear it.

[lastgunslinger]

Truth in all, you mean. And there is no cause for concern, Jake.

[boy-not-lost.livejournal.com]

All the same, I am glad I was there. And I would palaver with Joe again soon ... I did not settle everything I had to say with him.

He stands and closes the book. You need to rest, however, and conversation like this can wind its way through miles of road.

[lastgunslinger]

I don't have to tell you to be wary, I know. His eyelids are indeed growing heavier than he'd like.

And then, quietly: Say thankya, Jake.

[boy-not-lost.livejournal.com]

He would do well to be wary of me, Jake things to himself. He smooths the blanket over Roland's chest, checks to see that the Keflex and inhaler are within easy reach for him and turns to go.

Sleep well.