“You’re trying to ruin me,” Frank gasped. “You won’t be satisfied until I’m all smashed up, done for, finished. But I won’t let you do it. I won’t let you.” His voice went up to a thin wail that twisted and snapped and then he was staring at floor and walls and ceiling, like a trapped creature frantically seeking escape.
“Want a cigarette?” Kerrigan said.
Frank didn’t seem to hear. His lips were moving without sound and it appeared he was talking to himself.
Kerrigan lit a cigarette for himself and stood there watching as Frank sat down on the edge of the bed and lowered his head into his arms. Kerrigan thought, It ain’t that he’s afraid of me, it’s got nothing to do with me, he’s afraid of the world, he’s finally got to the point where he can’t face the world.
He heard Frank saying dully, “I want you to leave me alone.”
“I’m not bothering you, Frank. Seems to me it’s the other way around.”
“Just lay off. That’s all I ask.”
“Sure, Frank.” His voice was as soft and gentle as he could make it. “That’s what I’ve been doing all along. I’ve never stood in your way. Whatever you do is your own affair.”
Frank stood up. He was calmer now, he seemed to have control of himself. But as he moved toward the door, he wasn’t looking at Kerrigan. It was as though Kerrigan weren’t there.
When Frank had gone, Kerrigan took a long drag from the cigarette. He went on dragging at it until it was down to a stub that scorched his fingers. He hurled the stub to the floor and stepped on it.