Breaking Point

Everybody has their breaking point. Malone says so.

I think I'm reaching mine. This is too hard, and I'm tired.

My head's spinning and the faces in front of me are blurring.

From somewhere, I can hear Chris' voice, soft and encouraging.

"Again," the voice commands. "Do it again."

I can't. I just *can't*. All I want to do is to give up. Surrender. Admit defeat.

I try to brace myself. Get my head up and face my torturer.

"It'll be OK, buddy."

Will it?

"Take a deep breath, Sam. She's only two years old".

"Mary had a little lamb…"

Pale Imitation

He thinks I'm going to kill him. I can see it in his eyes.

And you deserve it, Curtis. Treachery like this is unforgivable.

Ignominy I can stand. Mockery I can tolerate. But not this.

You know how I feel. Or I thought so. And some barriers should not be crossed.

Yes, I knew you'd come up with something. You really think I'm gonna swallow that?

"Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery." Is that seriously the best you can do?

Sam, buddy, nobody, but *nobody* goes to a fancy dress party with *me* dressed as a US marine.