Chapter 65
Howard ambushes me outside the bathroom early the next morning. "Why didn't you sleep?"
"I did."
"No you didn't."
"Yes I did."
"No you didn't. Why not?"
"I couldn't."
"You'll make yourself ill."
"I know."
"Why do you do it, then?"
"I couldn't."
"Try."
"I do."
"Good." He moves out of the way and I walk into the bathroom. Closing the door behind me, I begin my morning routine.
When I emerge, I walk through into the kitchen to make a cup of tea.
"Are you going to eat anything?" Howard asks, suddenly appearing in the room. I jump when he speaks, almost spilling the tea.
"I'll eat something, yeah."
"No you won't."
"I will."
"Vince, you said that you would try."
"I will!"
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Make sure you do." He stands in the doorway, watching me. I sit down and begin drinking my tea, trying to ignore him.
When I get up to leave the room, he's still standing there.
"Howard, please move."
"Not until you eat something."
"I don't want to."
"You have to eat, Vince."
"I'm not hungry."
"You still have to eat."
"But Howard…"
"Vince, I told you yesterday, I don't want to tell you again. You have to eat something."