The man who wouldn't sign up

by Tom Purdom

"This is very interesting. You honestly think you can live without belonging to anything?"

"Yes."

"Don't you belong to the human race?"

"Yes, and I try to keep my dues up, too. But it's more of a strain than a pleasure."

Dr. Cooper puffed on his pipe. "I can see you're going to be a real challenge," he said.

"Thank you. I intend to be."

"I've got some literature outside. I think you should read it."

"You can leave it if you like."

"I will." A few more puffs. The psychologist looked extremely serene. "You know, you're a very sick man."

"So I've been told."