He askedFatima, “Do you know if they ate from the buffet?”She thought for a moment and then nodded. “I’m almost sure, yes. I saw a bunch of us...d plates when I arrived.”“Actually,” Jada chimed in, “I suspect the drug was in the soft drinks at the other side of the elevator.” She briefly described her experience making the trip. Emily backed up Jada’s story and then proddedFatimato continue.“Well, we only met the nursing students briefly. They all wanted out of here. I think they were only. .. Mark..." Not once! Not one goddamn time! And I never tried to make you, because I thought you would be 'offended'. Jesus Christ! If I knew then what I know now..." Ooooohhhh..." Lynn's voice rose in a despairing avail, her hands pushed themselves forcefully against her ears, and her eyes closed tight as though desperately trying to shut off every trace of the outside world -- a world that now seemed peopled with a million pairs of eyes, all staring into the corruption of her soul, laughing. They filled in the grave and took a moment in silence. Then everyone departed to repeat the same task for their loved ones and friends, this time with words and rites of farewell. All day they buried the dead to the sound of funereal wails throughout the town. New widows wrapped their heads in black veils while parents cried over dead children, younger and older. Men cried for their wives, mothers, and sisters. At the end of the day, Yakhir stood at the grave as Uncle Porat lowered his wife. I'm sorry for waking you up."I could picture my dad shaking his head as he closed the door and headed back to the bedroom to reassure my mom."Okay, I'm back. Jimmy, what the hell is going on?" I have no idea," I said. "That's why I called you, remember? Now, Walter showed up, and, about half way to me, he just keeled over. I'm going to hang up for a second, so I can try and see what is going on; I'll call you back." Jimmy, we need help," Jamie said. "I can't tell what's wrong with him." Well.