Bob Rebadow and Kareem Said in “Straight Life”

Bob Rebadow

I'm sorry that you're ill.

Kareem Said

And who told you that I was ill?

Bob Rebadow

God.

Kareem Said

Oh, yes. You talk to God.

Bob Rebadow

When he's in town.

Kareem Said

Well, in Islam, we believe that only two people spoke to God directly. Mohammad], and praise be to him, and Moses. So, you see, you are in excellent company.

Bob Rebadow

You think I'm lying or deluded.

Kareem Said

Oh, yes.

Bob Rebadow

I may well be. I do know sometimes I can see inside men's souls.

Kareem Said

And can you see into mine, old man?

Bob Rebadow

Yes.

Kareem Said

And what is there?

Bob Rebadow

Anger.

Kareem Said

Yes, I am angry. I am angry at a society that cripples my people and infects their bodies.

Bob Rebadow

No, you're angry at God.

Kareem Said

I am not. My illness is Allah's will and I accept the bad as well as the good that God gives me.

Bob Rebadow

Still, you're angry at him and afraid. Afraid of dying.

Kareem Said

That is not true.

Bob Rebadow

You watched Jefferson Keane die, die gladly. Keane embraced death like a lover, like a traveler going home. You saw that and you were afraid. You realized you aren't as willing to go.