The Small,
Cramped Room

Offered little comfort.

A single lamp cast long shadows across the metal table where the old man sat, his hands clasped, knuckles white.

He looked at the younger man opposite him, whose steady gaze never wavered.

Tell me again,
the younger man said, his voice calm,
about the package.

The old man swallowed, a dry rasp.

It was just as I told you. A small box, no markings. Placed it where they said. Saw no one, heard nothing.

Freeze it before it forgets it was ever told.