Author Archives: L.

So…let’s start off by warning people that this post might be a bit rated R in nature. So to speak.

Adoration of the Earth by Stravinsky from his work “The Rite of Spring” plays.

“SHE IS AFTER HIS MONEY!!” yells JFK to the sounds of Stravinsky.

“That’s mean.” says Kate.

“Kate. Let’s be honest.” says JFK to the sounds of Stravinsky.

She looks bored and annoyed.

“IT IS…MONEY.” says JFK.

“But what do they even have!??” says Kate, in doubt.

“$1 million Dollars.” says JFK.

Kate sighs. Nods. “Yeah. Not that much.”

“Sure. But…it’s nice. And they’re old.” says JFK.

“I don’t have to put up with you. I can go marry Joel.” says Kate, accidentally. She stands up and then falls.

The Sacrifice by Stravinsky from “The Rite of Spring” plays.

“Yeah!!!” yells JFK. “SHE A LOSER!!”

Gold Digger by Kanye West plays.

“I HATE HER!!” yells JFK. “SHE STEAL LEM.”

Someone carries Kate off. To safety. Poor thing.

And at that because JFK can’t figure out reality suddenly he’s sent into a seizure.

And standing silently watching them, baffled, is Ruth.

“Ruth. Do you have normal missionary sex with Jim?” says the Illuminati.

She giggles.

“My mother who raised me used to describe their sex life to me as a way of sexually abusing me. And then she’d get away with it by claiming I was annoying and curious.” says Lacey. “And acting like I was an annoying, gross 11 year old.”

“So…Ruth. Love those signature leggings. Where they from byotch?” says Lacey.

She looks offended.

“Where?” asks Lacey.

She glares.

“Where?” asks Lacey.

“Walmart.” says Ruth.

“And you wear them EVERYWHERE. Every…day.” says Lacey.

“I married Ruth to screw Lacey out of her inheritance. She made me draw up a will. So I married Ruth. I don’t currently have a boyfriend.” admits Jim, the father who raised her.

Gold Digger by Lefree plays.

“My mother who raised me told me he hated having vaginal sex with her with his penis. She spent time complaining to me.

Does he ‘give you his fingers’ the way he did for Becca?” asks Lacey.

A living gay man runs off.

Ruth, who’s not very bright and lived in a trailer, poor thing…blinks. Sits. Thinks. Looks away.

“I can’t tell you.” she says.

“Okay.” says Lacey.

“Ruth. Is he gay?” asks Lacey.

She blinks. Looks sad.

She shrugs.

“Yeah. You’re screwed-up too.” says Lacey. “Maybe like Becca. But not as bad.

Listen…are you surprised he’s gay?”

She looks sad. Cries.

“Yeah. …But you married him for his money too or what?” says Lacey.

A few gay men cry. More gay men laugh. And others wonder how much she’s like the mother character in Requiem For a Dream who uses weight loss drugs.

She looks angry. “I like money.” she says smugly. “Now I have it all.”

“Yeah. Well…probably.” says Lacey.

“I’ll get $50,000 a year. In oil. And $1,000,000.00 that’s all mine. When he dies. And he’s 77. And I’m 73. So…I’ll be a well off single woman with your childhood piano and your oil on the Craft side. In my mid 80’s. Your dad will die before I do. You DUMB BITCH.” she says to Lacey.

Gold Digger by Saucy Santana plays.

“When do you think he’ll die?” says Lacey.

Ruth sighs, annoyed. “I don’t have to give a shit what you say!!”

“Actually that’s not entirely true.

How did my father who raised me propose to you?” says Lacey.

“He didn’t. He fucked me hard.” says Ruth.

“No. How did he?” asks Lacey.

“He accidentally did. It was a mistake. But…I knew he wanted to. So we did.” says Ruth. “He meant to. But he couldn’t quit do it. So I helped him.”

“What happened?” says Lacey.

“He dropped a knife. Because he was so nervously in love with me.” says Ruth.

“And as inappropriate as he is he told me over dinner at The Good Earth that he was afraid of being able to ‘perform in bed.’” says Lacey.

“No. He performs well.” says Ruth, almost snorting in rage.

“Based on what Becca told me…I doubt it. She seemed to be telling the truth based on her tone.

He might be bisexual but I doubt it.

So…he dropped a knife at dinner?” asks Lacey. “And bent over to get it?”

A-Punk by Vampire Weekend plays.

“Yes!

And I knew he wanted me.” says Ruth.

“He made a joke about proposing to mock you.” says Lem.

“No!!” yells Ruth. “To get my hand in marriage.” says Ruth grinning.

We’re Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister plays.

“So it was like a Hollywood film?” says Lem.

“Yup!” says Ruth, bending over in laughter possibly sure she’s happily in love.

“Where are all the gay men angry about your marriage?” asks the CIA.

“We can tell they’re IN LOVE.” they say, like weird zombies.

The Final Countdown by Europe plays.

And as I write this 10,000 gay flags fly on the back of cars…as they drive.

“That’s my face.” says JFK, seriously. “I understand…COLOR THEORY. …The gay rights flag…IS…MY…FACE.

Tsar PUTIN is my lover.

When he come for me…with my flag…flying…I will receive him. With…something. Like…I don’t- You- How do you receive a lover? How do you receive a TSAR?” he says laughing, joyfully over his self-perceived glory.

Eye of the Tiger by Survivor plays.

The gay flags fly on the back of minivans. Damn! Those minivans be FIERCE.

Driven by a dumbass gay narcissist a minivan tries for a hot move. It spins.

It spins out of control and an abandoned alien spaceship falls on it, crushing it.

“That my shit.” says JFK. He laughs. “I like bananas. Get it?”

Another One Bites The Dust by Queen plays.

And another minivan driving flies the gay flag.

“Another one bites the dust.” says a demon.

“Hey!” says Lacey. “Not…so…fast.”

“I determine final eternity.” says God.

“He PROPOSED.” says Ruth.

“No. I didn’t have the heart to tell you I was only joking. And I told them that.” says Jim.

“But he was trying to harm me.” says Lacey.

Ruth smiles. “Yeah. I hated you and your mother who raised you. You treated me like I was white trash. And I’m not.” says Ruth, venomously.

“Another one bites the dust.” says Lacey.

“Ruth. Why are you hiding?” says Lacey. “Or where are you going?”

“She’s on a dock.” says a British man.

“Oh! How sexy.” says Lacey.

Lem laughs.

“They’re on fire with their sexiness.” says Lacey.

“Now that’s in the same place?” says a Gen. Z man.

“Yes.” says Lacey.

“My word. He’s so happy.” says woman.

“Who’s your father’s favorite musician?” asks a gay man.

“He liked Chopin, Bob Dylan…and then he got into Christian music.” says Lacey. “Just a second.”

“Which gay icons does he follow?” asks Lizza.

“Barbara Streisand, Carole King…and…Lucille Ball…” says Lacey, trying to remember.

“Did he like Dusty Springfield?” asks a British man.

“He might have.” says Lacey.

She thinks.

“Who are those people?” asks a man.

“Left to right: Ruth’s sister and her husband. Then Ruth. And then my legal father and his younger brother Mike.” says Lacey.

She thinks.

“Did you listen to Joni Mitchell?” asks a Gen. Z man.

“Not often if ever.” says Lacey.

She thinks.

“Matt Redman.” says Lem.

You Never Let Go by Matt Redman plays.

“This is SO homosexual and perverse.” says Lacey. “My legal father really liked Matt Redman.”

Let My Words Be Few by Matt Redman plays.

“He’s signing…about Lemmers!” says JFK weeping. “HOW DOES HE KNOW LEMMERS LIKE I DO!??!?” wails JFK, sincerely.

“This cannot be happening!” wails JP Kennedy.

“He know Lemmers. I can tell. That’s Lemmer’s spirit.” says JFK, like a spy.

“No. That’s supposed to be a song about Jesus.” says Jars of Clay.

“NO! That is Lemmers.” says JFK, feeling he’s being fooled, possibly.

Lord, I Need You by Passion plays.

“Is this song about Lemmers?” asks the CIA.

JFK listens.

“No. That’s Putin.” says JFK. He listens. “Maybe Lem. But more like Putin.

It’s okay. He wasn’t with me yet.” says JFK.

Good Good Father by Chris Tomlin plays.“Daddy!” says JFK. “NO!!!” he wails. He collapses. “HE DID NOT FUCK YOUR MOTHER!”

What A Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship plays.

“That’s my mommy.” says JFK laughing.

“Could they sing that way about God?” says Lacey.

“No! He’s not a sexy man.” says JFK. He laughs. “You cannot say you are in love with Jesus.”

“But that’s what they’re singing about.” says a man.

“Oh. They into…ahh…” he thinks. “Paganism of some sort.”

Later.

“I’m sorry.” says Ruth to Lacey like Ruth is a little girl talking to someone her own age.

“Ruth I can’t respond to you at this moment.” says Lacey.

Lacey turns to Lem.

“I need a drink.” says Lacey to Lem.

Later.

“It’s an imitation gimlet. With just a little Hendricks gin.” says Lem.

“Why do I prefer Hendricks?” says Paula. “Because it’s good gin.”

“I can always tell the difference!!” says Lacey, enraged.

“Do you prefer Hendricks to other gin?” says a reader.

“YES!” says Lacey.

Lem smiles. “Let’s talk about her tits now.” he says.

“What other gin have you had?” asks a reader.

“Non.” says Lacey. “NON!”

Paula smiles with Lacey.

“Why don’t you drink gin?” a random person asks Lacey.

“Lacey is ignoring your bizarre question.” says Lem. “Let’s talk about her tits.”

Lacey gets sleepy.

“Let’s talk about her tits.” says Lem.

“Yes. Where’s that man?” says Lacey.

“Oh well.” says Lem.

“Why do you prefer smaller tits?” asks Lacey of Lem.

“Your tits aren’t smaller.” says Lem. He laughs. “They’re different.”

“Inferior.” says Lacey.

“NO! HOT!” says Lem.

“One’s slightly smaller than the other.” says Lacey.

He thinks. Smiles. Laughs.

“No. It’s endearing. And it makes your body slightly asymmetrical…which is…nice.” says Lem.

“Then why do you like them?” says Lacey.

Later.

“Because they’re SOFT!” says Lem.

“So are my thighs. And so is my butt. That’s just soft body.” says Lacey.

“That’s good.” says Lem, smiling.

“No! It’s nothing!” says Lacey.

“No. It’s good.” says Lem.

“Good!?” says Lacey.

“It’s…good.” says Lem.

“I don’t understand.” says Lacey, shaking her head and closing her eyes.

“Mmm. Fine.” says Lem.

“Noo! You want FACTS!” says Lacey.

Lem laughs. Look furious.

Lacey waits.

“I want you.” he says to Lacey.

“This is so stupid.” says Lacey.

“Her breasts are ah…better than Marilyn’s. But not as big. They’re very- “ says Lem. “I’m not about to go on about them publicly.” He thinks. “They’re not without…flavor. They are…very present. Just not…as…protruding.”

“What if the reason why you can’t photograph Lacey‘s face is because it’s too symmetrically round? It’s a perfect female face.” says God?

“The eye has to adjust. And people refuse to do that if they’re lying. You can’t stare at a circle straight on.” says Salvador Dali. “Her face isn’t a perfect circle but like Zelda she has too much round symmetry to her face. It’s impossible to photograph. You lie. Cameras don’t photograph circles well. We just…don’t…talk about it.”

“It elongates them.” says Lacey.

“Yes! Or straightens them somehow. That’s part of what we hate about death. Cameras are imperfect. They can’t fully capture life. So… If we could capture life…I worry people would never move and just stare at photographs all day.” says Salvador Dali.

And at that a drunk Boomer gets under his kitchen table and laughs.

“Ruth! Do you use a strap-on?!” says a “sassy” gay man.

She just stares.

IRM by Charlotte Gainsbourg plays.

“No. I had to check. NO!” says Ruth.

“Then how do you have sex?” asks a gay man.

“Anal.” says a demon.

“Really?” says JFK.

“Yes. She’s still afraid of getting pregnant.” says a demon.

“He’s not that imaginative!” says JFK.

“Well…that’s what they do.” says the demon.

“What do you mean by imaginative?” asks another demon.

“He’s like me. He got it.” says JFK.

“Oh no. She’s my wife.” says Jim.

“I’m HOT!” says Ruth.

“Yeah. Cool.” says JFK to them.

“So you’re straight too.” says Jim to JFK.

“Yah! You…are.” says JFK to Jim.

“I’m a man. That’s what God says.” says Jim.

“CORRECT!!” yells JFK.

Hate It Or Love It by 50 Cent plays as Jim and JFK dance in a variety of The Twist. Together.

They laugh.

“You good.” says JFK hitting on him.

Jim giggles like Lem used to. Except it’s real. JFK stands in shock.

“You like to dance?” says Jim, like Lem but real.

JFK stands and watches him still in shock. Then Jim moves like Lem.

“Lem why were you impersonating a 30 year old?” says Lacey.

“In my 40’s?” says Lem.

“Yes!” says Lacey.

“I didn’t think it was weird. And Jack liked that man.” says Lem.

“To get him off you?” says Lacey.

“Yes.” says Lem.

“There are so many better ways.” says Lacey.

“Like what?” asks Lem.

“You didn’t know them?” says Lacey.

“No.” says Lem.

Lacey thinks. “If I wanted to throw Putin off me…I would play country music. In some bizarre way. Like…early 1990’s.”

Lem smiles. “No. That makes sense. What would you do with JFK?”

“Get him dizzy.” says Lacey. “A literal merry-go-round. Really fast. Just him. And then I’d…tell him to twirl. On wet grass.

Then I’d just stand there and stare at him confused.

Then I’d say…‘You’re a loser. You have no sense of distance.’” says Lacey. “And then I’d run off.”

Jack cries.

“I made that up. That’s an area of logical weakness.” says Lacey to Jack. “For you.”

“I’m very logical.” says JFK.

“No. You’re not. You’re a hard worker. In a way. Not logical.” says Lacey.

“No. My whole family struggles with logic.” says Joe Kennedy Junior.

“It’s not your family’s strong suit.” says Lacey.

(June 4th, 2024 – Afternoon)

Prospector’s Arrive by Jonny Greenwood plays.

How did Lacey become so attacked? Because Jack Kennedy very possibly refused to listen to God’s voice when he died. I was straight. And everything that happened between us was a horrific experience for me that I lied to my about to survive. But to him it was…happiness.

Jack Kennedy was a malignant narcissistic buffoon. And we coddled him. Way back then. So when he was killed he never understood how hated he was. Or how hurt he’d made people feel. And he took all of that out on Lacey and me when he died. How me? Because I loved her and love her. And from the grave there’s not much I can or could do.

I’m astounded by her love for me…and yet…I’m also not. Because that’s what we have. That’s what a lot of my generation had, actually. And in that way it’s sad for Lacey and for me too to some degree to watch Jack make a complete fool of himself. To make himself look like even more of a fool than he already did.

There was nothing brave or courageous or intelligent or wise or…advantageous to him to attack her. But he was possibly so motivated by hatred and profound arrogance that to him it genuinely made sense.

I knew he wasn’t straight. But I had no preparation for how…deranged he is and was. He wasn’t in love with me. But he was. He was extremely possessive. But he was adamant he was extremely heterosexual.

“I bet the Lake Osakis Resort was a part of the elite sex ring!” says Kick Kennedy from 2018.

“Oh no!!!” says Evann. “NOT EVER. Oh no!”

“I don’t think that’s likely.” says Lacey.

“NEVER!!” says Evann, genuinely clutching her beaded necklace.

Silence.

“The resort closed in the 1990’s at the latest?” says Donald Trump.

“Yes.” says Julian.

“That’s possibly too far back.” says Donald Trump. “To be honest it wasn’t that common back then.”

“Yeah. There was no way Jack was straight.” says Harold Loeb.

“Right? No way. …But he was so adamant.” says Lem. “He was such an obnoxious prick. But we didn’t know what to do to deal with his behavior. And I was…such a fool.”

Later.

“A sex ring? An adult sex ring?” says Evann.

“Yeah.” says a woman.

“In the 1950’s!?” says Evann.

“Yes.” she says.

“No!!” Evann clutches her beaded necklace and smiles. “We had sex. And we were adults.”

“But there was no ring?” asks a woman.

“I had a ring on my finger.” says Evann primly but with a kind smile.

“Because you were married?” says a reader.

“YES!!!” yells Evann. “DEAR GOD!!!”

“No. That’s not who we had staying with us.

It was a very nice resort.” says Julian.

“You know people other than you do exist!” says Joel to JFK.

“I’d never fall in love with you.” says JFK to Joel.

“Unlikely. You’d stalk me more.” says Joel.

“I was cold as ice to you often. You just didn’t notice it.” says Lem to JFK.

“Yeah. I noticed it!!!” yells JFK, sincerely.

“Then why did everyone think you were in love with his love for you?” says Joel.

“It wasn’t real.” says JFK.

“What wasn’t?” asks MSNBC.

JFK snarls. Rolls his eyes in annoyance.

“You’d have been violently obsessed with me.” says Joel.

“Because you’re warmer?” asks JFK.

“YEAH! And I get angry.” says Joel. “Lem does too. But I’m…a lot more loud. I’d have scared you and you’d have been more obsessive.”

Later.

Robert Kraft hatches a plan whether serious or not to steal all the Nesheim oil because Lacey Banks is too pretty for Robert Kraft to psychologically handle. He’s insecure and annoying and so are his sycophantic friends. And he hates that the Crafts are the former Krafts and that his ancestors owned their farm that they farmed for. In the early 1800’s.

“Yeah. There were Krafts who owned the land we farmed on. And we took their name. But we were Norwegian.” says Ron Craft.

“YEAH!!! So become I have more monies I OWNE YOU!!!” yells Robert Kraft, extremely drunk.

“You do realize you’re peasant shit compared to me?” says Tom Banks to Robert Kraft.

“But she’s ILLEGITIMATE!” yells Robert Kraft.

“No. That’s what she calls it. She’s my love child.” says Tom Banks. “With my long time girlfriend.”

“I SAY IF A CHILD ISN’T BORN IN MARRIAGE THEY’RE A FUCKING BASTARD!!” says Robert Kraft.

“Nope.” says Tom Banks, laughing at him. “You’re wrong.”

“So you’d have raised her yourself if not for your age?” asks Robert Kraft.

“Yes. And no, I’m far more intelligent than you.” says Tom Banks.

Robert Kraft farts. Looks embarrassed. Pees his pants.

His maids escort him off.

“I’ll be BACK!!” yells Robert Kraft.

Later.

“So your ancestors owned us?” says Jim Craft to Robert Kraft.

“No.” admits Robert Kraft.

“Yup.

Were they peasants?” asks Jim Craft.

“Yes.” says his great grandmother, in annoyance.

“Well…we weren’t really owned like slaves. You’re confusing feudalism with American slavery. We were- We were workers. But we owned our own land.” says Jim. “Well…eventually at least. But I think we may have not owned the land at one point. Possibly before the nation of Norway was founded.”

“Yeah. Before Norway was created.” says Crystal of the Nesheims.

“Yes. We weren’t a country until rather recently.” says Gwen of the Nesheims.

Later.

“So did you own me??” asks Robert Kraft, laughing.

“That makes no fucking sense.” says Lacey, losing patience.

Jim Craft laughs.

“No!” says Ray Craft, casually and calmly.

“You were in Germany!” says Lacey primly, but certainly.

Robert Kraft stares at her and becomes enraged.

“What!? You’re GERMAN!” says Lacey.

“Fine.” says Robert Kraft.

“No. You’re missing a lot of history.” says Jim Craft, losing patience himself now. “Do you even care at all about history or are you just a fake? Because to me you seem like a charlatan businessman with little sense. I’m not some uneducated babbling idiot and neither is Lacey.”

“No. We’re an unusually intelligent family.” says a Nesheim who voted in the Electoral College.

“I’m trying to work with Bobby for his election.” says Robert Craft.

“Ohh!

Huh.

Well that’s nice.

Are you two friends?” says Jim.

“Lovers?” says MSNBC.

Jim laughs. Snarls. “Well why not nowadays?”

“No.” says an Englishman. “They’re just metaphorically in bed together.”

“DAMMIT!! I can’t get her daughter to have an ER visit.” says Kick.

Lacey’s daughter has been running around the room quickly everywhere. In a rather peculiar way.

A random woman watching breaks out in laugher.

“Our family owns a lot of land…and a lot of oil.

You can trace our sociological supremacy back to the late 1800’s. In America. Mostly. We became what really is technically old money in…the 1990’s. But…it’s indisputable today.

Look…the Nesheims are old money. The silversmiths are actually very important. You can’t be so archaic intellectually and expect me to take you at all seriously.” says Jim.

“I agree.” says the Nesheim Electoral College vote.

“Yes. The Nesheims are upper middle class in Norway. The Berges are old money.

The Crafts are middle class in Norway and then became upper class in America.” says Ron Craft.

“So we are the American Dream working.” says Jim Craft.

“I think I am.” says Robert Kraft.

“Because you’re richer? Ha! No. You’re too insecure. Unfortunately class is what matters.

Grow-up America.

And…you’re still new money or upper middle class.” says Lacey to Robert Kraft.

“Is that shameful?” asks Robert Kraft.

“Ask Jesus. Asks India.” says Lacey.

“So my money isn’t as important given their class and their oil.” says Robert Kraft. “And I’m fine with that. I barely give a damn.

Look…if you hadn’t fucked-up the country being a new money billionaire would have been impressive and moral and cool still.”

“Wow! That’s so true.” says Joel.

“Joel…” says Chris Hayes, drunk and laughing. “Dude…look at me. Was there ever any chance she was going to find me attractive without the Kennedys convincing her I was attractive first? And her accidentally channeling Michael Rockefeller?”

Joel thinks…”No.

She would have naturally found me attractive. But she was brainwashed at age 13…to find Joe Kennedy Junior attractive. And she’s never been able to get that out of her mind.

The thing is…Joe is better looking than Lem and I. In a way. But…Lem and I look far better naked. *He laughs* So…if I’d had a chance to be with her…she’d have instantly changed her mind. But I mostly messed-up.” says Joel.

“You were built. Shoot!” says Lacey.

“I was.” says Joel.

“Are you still?” asks Lacey.

“Yes.” says Joel.

“Well that’s nice for your wife.” says Lacey.

Joel laughs. “HOW…THE FUCK…DID YOU GET CONVINCED THAT YOU DIDN’T CARE?”

“I was an incredibly sad child.

Idea 22 plays.

And buff men seemed so…mean. So…vain. And careless. And nothing.

So I set my eyes on death. And wiry men with a seething hidden rage…like John McEnroe seemed…possibly wonderful. Except he’s not wiry. But I loved his…perspective.

No more excuses. No more putting-up with…the lies.” says Lacey.

“David Lennoye was like that.” says Joel.

“Yes. Except he hated me.” says Lacey.

Joel stares at her. “I could have convinced you that we aren’t that bad.”

“Did you love me?” asks Lacey.

“Yes!” he says.

“I cared more about men’s souls.” says Lacey.

“I have a good soul.” says Joel.

“You were gentle.” says Lacey. “But you scared me.”

“You were terrified I was going to rape you.” says Joel.

“Yes. But…then you’d abandon me.” says Lacey.

“No! That’s an intriguing fear. But no. …I’d never have done that. I’m sorry I scared you.” he says.

“Well…I hope you’re happy.” says Lacey.

“I am.” says Joel.

“How happy?” asks Lacey.

“Not as happy as I would have been with you; to be honest. The Kennedys ruined our lives in a way. …I’m a lot like Lem.

But…I did get married.” says Joel.

Jesus cries.

“And you got to be happy somewhat?” asks Lacey.

“Yes!” he says.

“How happy?” says Lacey.

“Mmm…on a scale of one to ten I’d give it an 5 to 10 depending on the day.” he says.

“Good for you.” says Lacey.

“How about you?” he asks.

“My kids are a billion. Off the charts.

And I’m glad I’m not poor.

But other than that…it’s negative 10.” says Lacey.

He thinks.

Roger Sterling laughs.

“But Mark is cool?” he says.

“Mark is my good pal. I care about him immensely.” says Lacey.

It’s Not Unusual by Tom Jones plays.

“So you have- So…I antagonized you too much. But I was in love with you.” he says. “You know…you seem…different.”

“She is.” says Lem. “She’s with me.”

“Yeah. If he loves me.

You know…I was a very cheerful baby…and then I slid slowly into death.” says Lacey in a trancelike state that’s not demonic but rather…metaphysical. She’s not unlike the lead female character in Eyes Wide Shut.”

Open Spaces by Jonny Greenwood plays.

“She’s with me now. I’m a ghost.” says Lem. “Could I have been with her had she been alive in my latter years? Yes. But she has yet to see that side of me. I seem too happy to her.”

“I just can’t be that happy.” says Lacey.

“I couldn’t be either.” says Queen Elizabeth II.

Lacey smiles. “We’re cheerful. But also…very deeply sad?”

“No. I’m sad too.” Lem says in 1978 to Lacey had she been there.

He sits on his sofa and she stares out of his window at New York City.

“Will I be able to touch you when I die?” she asks.

“No.” says a demon.

“Yes.” he says.

Andante commodamente from Kalinnikov’s Symphony Number 1 plays.

“Do you hear death in this song?” asks Lacey of Lem.

“Yes.” he says. “I can.”

“Isn’t it beautiful?” says Lacey. “I wonder if that’s what Heaven sounds like?”

The second movement draws to an end.

“Yeah. …Wanna shoot heroin?” says Lem.

She stares at him. “Yes.” she says.

He cries. “I’d NEVER SHOOT HEROIN WITH YOU.”

“Why?” asks Lacey.

“Because you’re my everything.” says Lem.

“I thought I was more than your everything. And I’d never do heroin with you or anyone else.” says Lacey.

“You are.” says Lem. “I said that to point out my own sadness. I’m a poet. See?”

“No. Listen.” says Lacey.

The second movement plays over again.

“That’s US!” says Lem. “Happy. But from the perspective of right now.”

“Listen.” says Lacey.

He listens. “I’m SO IN LOVE WITH YOU.” he says to Lacey.

“Listen.” she says.

He listens. “Lacey. Aside from God and our kids you are my meaning.”

“I feel the same way about you.” says Lacey to Lem. “Everything else is just subterfuge.”

“We love our parents. But they aren’t us.” says Lem. “Let’s go to bed.”

“I love you.” says Lacey.