The Sisters Brothers

‘You are not the God-fearing sort, Warm?’
‘I am not. And I hope you aren’t, either.’
‘I don’t know if I am.’
‘You are afraid of hell.

Charlie was always happiest when he had something to do.

I thought, What a life it is for man’s animals, what a trial of pain and endurance and senselessness.

‘It is hard to find a friend,’ I said.
‘It is the hardest thing in this world,’ he agreed.

‘You got all the romantic blood, is that it?’
‘Our blood is the same, we just use it differently.’

I thought, Perhaps a man is never meant to be truly happy. Perhaps there is no such a thing in our world, after all.

‘It doesn’t matter, now. Close your eyes.’

‘Doubtless they are infamous among the muskrat community hereabouts,’ said Charlie. ‘But these are not killers of men.’

I gave up my adventure for dead. I brushed my teeth and went to sleep.

Nodding politely, I said, ‘Yes, well, it is fairly obvious that you are in love with me!’