f12yin

Don't look at me like that.

You ain't the type to lose control, though...

Don't look so surprised, Domma. You've seen me in prison.

Yeah, which is why I know just how hard you been tryin' to hide that side of you.

You look awful, Anthony.

...I've been having trouble sleeping. Seeing the same nightmare every night.

In it, I'm standing in a pool of blood, with blood on my hands, and the Hyde brothers are lying dead on the ground.

That's new, never had no dreams like that before. Somethin' happen?

Bad news from Bunkerhill City.

Your folks...

Educated guess?

Yeah, saw that letter on your desk when I was returnin' a book. Under a pile of books, but there ain't no hidin' those tear stains.

I've submitted my resignation and will be leaving in a few days. I've been here too long. It's time I faced it. Everything.

Figured this day'd come, sooner or later.

Sometimes, I can't help but think... what if you left all that behind and stayed here? Wouldn't that be swell?

I've considered it, Domma.

Once, I thought I would give up on revenge after I'd rescued my parents.

But now, my only desire is to repay blood with blood.

But you ain't never killed no one, Anthony.

How does it feel? How does it feel to take a life with your own hands?

Can you tell me, Domma? How did it feel when you injected poison into a prisoner's veins? How did it feel when you sent the body to the incinerator for disposal?

...It hurt, at first. You feel sick, can't sleep, start seein' stuff that ain't there.

Then, you try to justify it. Tell yourself they deserved it, that you did the right thing.

Then, one day, when enough people have stopped breathin' on account of you, you stop feelin' anything at all. You seen enough death.

That point, whatever crimes they did in life don't much matter no more. Their deaths don't neither.

Does it take a long time?

Yeah, long and painful. Had to keep remindin' myself it was just a job. But how 'bout you, Anthony?

How would <i>you</i> get through it?

Seems to me you made up your mind to face it without givin' a single thought to <i>how</i>.

We're goin' together, Anthony. I can help you.

No, this is my problem. I can't drag you into this.

I's already in it. I helped break you outta Mansfield, 'member?

That's enough, Domma, this is not open for discussion.

Anthony—

A-Anthony!

Are you awake, Shura?

I hearda you hadda bottle of fine whiskey... when will we getta have a taste of it?

How about next Wednesday? Ya free that day, and I'm free that day...

Huh? But you're injured. You shouldn't drink for a while.

Injured... ya, I'm injured, can't drink...

Why... *sob* I'm so sad... *sob*

(Is she ok?)

(Must be the anesthetic.)

(I see...)

Anthony...

Yes?

Promise me. Promise me you won't leave without sayin' goodbye.

...Alright.

Your exit papers are in order, sir. I'm sure you have plenty on your plate right now, so I took the liberty of bringing the paperwork over.

Sorry, and thank you. I should have come over to pick them up myself.

It's fine, I just happened to be passing through. Have a nice day, sir.

You too.

Well, that went quicker than I anticipated.

(Looks around)

I should clean up before I leave. Fortunately, there isn't much here.

These books... they can go to the library.

These bottles of liquor... I'll drop them off in the wine storage room.

...Oh, I almost forgot, the action movies I borrowed from Robin. I should remember to return them.

A leaf bookmark from Kafka, and this doll... As I recall, a Christmas present from Pinecone.

What's with all the trinkets in this drawer? I don't even remember putting them there. No doubt the kids staying at Medical will enjoy them, though.

Well, that's about it. Now to start packing... I should only need a few changes of clothes.

He freezes.

The suit hangs in the middle of the wardrobe, clear as day. He remembers everything about it, from picking the cloth, to getting measured, to the delivery.

Everyone could see how much he liked it. Everyone thought he would wear it at every opportunity.

In fact, he has hardly ever done so.

He did not want to blemish it.

You have a new message, operator.

Got your message, Anthony. We've made arrangements to get you to Bunkerhill City. We have people waiting for you at Tkaronto.

I look forward to seeing you. Your parents, my brother... we have so many scores to settle with the Hyde brothers.

He lifts a hand and touches a tiny piece of embroidery on the collar.

It is in the shape of a tower.

Eventually, reluctantly, his arm comes back down again.

What a fool I was... Why did I buy this, knowing that I would eventually leave?

Such a fool.

Dr. Silence. Is Domma here?

Sorry, Anthony, you might have to wait. She's treating a patient that came in this afternoon.

May I wait for her here?

Of course. Water?

No, thank you. I wouldn't want to get in your way.

Alright, I'll be making my rounds.

(Glances at watch)

I hope there's enough time...

Young man! Hey, young man!

Oh, sorry, were you speaking to me?

Yeah, for a while now, but seems like you didn't hear me.

I apologize; I was checking the time. Did you need something?

No, I just saw a hole in your shirt, so I was asking if you could come over so I could fix it.

Thank you. I suppose I didn't notice it because I was in a hurry.

But I'm afraid I have to leave soon.

Sit down already. Just because I'm old doesn't mean my hands don't work. It'll only take a few minutes.

...Thank you, ma'am.

You're a friend of Dr. Domma's?

Yes.

That's what I thought. You're always stopping by to see her.

Are you a patient of hers?

Yeah, she's really nice. I've got bad knees, and she's been a lot of help.

She's always been kind like that.

I guess you already know that she's leaving? She told me yesterday that I'm being handed over to Dr. Silence.

...Is that so. What a shame.

Must've heard some dumb patient calling her a weirdo behind her back. Silly, really! She's so patient and detailed. You don't get many doctors like her.