Page 113 of Lucky Night

Unbelievable, he says. We’re fucking entertainment.

She resumes her walk toward the bed. Deep breaths. In andout. Avoiding looking at him, though she can feel the agitation vibrating off him as he gets up. Sits down. Rakes his fingers through his hair. He jumps up again, grabs the phone.

CNN is condemning it, but they’re still showing it, he says. This is…people areamused. They’re cheering.

He predicted that himself, not so long ago.The world wants to see us suffer.She doesn’t remind him. It wouldn’t help.

And the conspiracy theories, he says, shaking his head at the phone. Migrants set the fire, China did it. George Soros is behindit.

Did you see the one accusing PETA? she asks. They don’t get blamed for much anymore. It was a nice throwback.

Jesus, Jenny! How can you be joking right now?

She’s trying to be patient with him. She’s been scared for longer, she’s more used to the feeling. But comeon.

I guess it’s a reflex, she says.

He scowls and returns to the phone. You’ve got me pegged, don’t you? I’m a failed clown. You and your husband can agree on that.

Nick, I don’t agree with him—

Whatever, he says. I don’t care. He can think what he wants. So can you.

Put the phone down, she says. Let’s lie on the bed a minute.

I’m fine.

Come on. I’ll rub your back.

Fuck off, Jenny! You think you can comfort me? Because you’re calm now? How do you think you got that way?

Because of you, she says gently. You helped me, Nick.

You’re goddamn right I did. So you can’t be all serene now, okay, and hold that over my head, all that power, and—

Power? she says. How is this about—

He drops the phone—almost throws it onto the bed. He puts his handsup.

Why am I getting worked up? He waves his hands at the phone,the television. Humanity, sinking to a new low—it shouldn’t shock me. I’m wasting my energy. Being angry won’t change a goddamn thing.

He walks past her, not even looking at her. He stands at the window, arms crossed.

She resumes her careful tread across the room. Going diagonally now, toward the desk.

So what if it won’t change anything? she says. You’re still entitled to your feelings.

Can you be quiet? Can you—what are you doing? Why are you walking like an idiot?

She stops. I know you’re scared, Nick, but don’t be an asshole.

I’m not scared, he says.

She can’t help it. She laughs.

I’m not, Jenny! I’m furious. Thisis—

It does appear from here on the ground that the fire, far from being contained at the twenty-fifth floor, is spreading upward.

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