Time slows down in hospitals, the same way it does in football. One hour can turn into four, especially in penny-pinching shitholes where - on top of your already astronomical bill - you have to pay extra just to watch TV. I glanced at Father Roger. He sat, unmoving, just outside of my door.

"Hey," I called, "can you get me a newspaper, or at least a crossword puzzle? Anything?"

He turned his head to stare at me. At least I thought he was staring at me. His sunglasses were so ...