The Melancholy Korean

"I think you should look at this, sir."

"Prune, you can just call me Bill, ok?"

(silence)

(silence)

"But if it makes you feel better..."

"Mr. Best found it in the study, sir."

(silence)

"I don't understand, Prune. Why would she invite him to the wedding? She's not that cruel."

"It's not for him, sir."

"What's this?"

"It came with the invitation, sir."

(silence)

"'Reverend Smith, I know you must be surprised... huge favor... nothing to Melancholy... officiate the wedding... I would be honored...'"

(silence)

"Officate the wedding? The Reverend?"

"Yes, sir."

"Where's the Reverend now?"

"We don't know, sir. He disappeared a few days before Melancholy returned from Japan."

"Jesus."

"Yes, sir."

"Was Harry able to talk to Dr. Coffin?"

"Yes, sir. They were spending the night in Corsica, and he was able to telephone him at the hotel."

"What did he say?"

"He recommended the drug Celexa, sir. Sixty milligrams."

"Sixty?"

"Yes, sir. Dr. Coffin said under no circumstance should we give him less. Mr. Best said he was very insistent on that point."

"Jesus."

"The doctor also said he should not be left alone, sir."

"Where's Melancholy now?"

"I think he's sleeping,sir. Mr. Best has been with him in his room."

"That's good, Prune. But Harry shouldn't have to spend the whole night with him. Let's each take turns doing a shift. If you wish, Prune, you can go next. I'll take over in about six hours, and I can spend the night with him."

"If you please, sir, I'd like to stay the night as well."

(silence)

(silence)

"I understand, Prune. We can watch him together, then."