24/03/2025
Brooks, the elderly prison librarian who was paroled but struggled with life outside, his last written words were:
“Dear fellas, I can’t believe how fast things move on the outside. I saw an automobile once when I was a kid, but now they’re everywhere. The world went and got itself in a big damn hurry. The parole board got me into this halfway house called ‘The Brewer’ and a job bagging groceries at the Foodway. It’s hard work. I try to keep up, but my hands hurt most of the time. I don’t think the store manager likes me very much. Sometimes after work, I go to the park and feed the birds. I keep thinking Jake might just show up and say hello, but he never does. I hope wherever he is, he’s doing okay and making new friends. I have trouble sleeping at night. I have bad dreams, like I’m falling. I wake up scared. Sometimes it takes me a while to remember where I am. Maybe I should get a gun and rob the Foodway so they’d send me home. I could shoot the manager while I’m at it, sort of like a bonus. But I guess I’m too old for that nonsense anymore. I don’t like it here. I’m tired of being afraid all the time. I’ve decided not to stay. I doubt they’ll kick up any fuss. Not for an old crook like me. I doubt they’ll even notice. I guess I just miss my friends. I’ve carved my name on this place before I go so they’ll know I was here. I’m tired of being alone. I’ve decided not to stay. Brooks was here."
