Quiet Sleeper

Panel 1. At noon in a cheap shared motel room, the curtains are clipped shut with pants hangers. Sam lies perfectly still on top of the covers with his arms crossed while Jeff approaches with a toothbrush in his mouth. Jeff: “Rise and shine, partner.”

Panel 2. Jeff leans over Sam and holds an open hand beneath Sam’s nose. Sam remains motionless with his eyes closed. Jeff: “…Partner?”

Panel 3. Sam’s eyes snap open and Jeff jumps backward. Sam: “Give me a minute.” Jeff: “You weren’t breathing!”

Panel 4. Sam rolls over to face the wall while Jeff watches from beside the bed. Sam: “I’m a quiet sleeper.”