Chapter 6

“Jaye lives,” he said.

“He does in ways.” We crossed the Mandon River, which was high and brown. How did fish and other creatures live in such muck? Why did we drink that shit?

“You have to get rid of his stereo. Maybe you don’t want to hear this. Maybe you do. But I think it’s a good idea.” Z was at my right side, huffing. Our run slowed to a cyclic jog. He had sweat around his eyes, or rain, or even tears; I really wasn’t sure.

“You’ll get rid of it for me, right?”

“I think we should bury it behind the apartment building.”

“Next to the vineyard. Jaye liked to write there,” I said.

“When do you want me to do this?”

“When do you want to do it?”

“This evening. Near dusk. Even if it’s raining.”

“Jaye liked the rain,” I said.

“He did, didn’t he?”

“Yes,” is all I could say, preventing tears from falling out of my eyes.

* * * *