Unhappy, William challenged his new friend.

Why’d you bring me into your radio conversation with that blowhard JayJay Bone?

The man didn’t even know who I was, Darryl said. I didn’t think you’d mind me using your expertise in psychological warfare to make my point.

I’m not buying your fireworks conspiracy theory, William said.

The government’s capable of anything, Darryl said.

Roger that, William said.

Darryl started to pace.

I need to do something, man, say something, anything. I’m going nuts just sitting around the apartment with you and that bird.

Dillon started whistling Dixie.

Darryl went bug-eyed.

Where’d he learn that?

From a guy’s car horn down on the street. He does the Notre Dame fight song, too.

William put down his hoagie.

You think I’ll get busted?

The police got enough on their minds without worrying much about a psycho combat vet and his Negro sidekick.

Don’t talk like that, Darryl.

I’m moving back into my apartment. Darryl said. Our quarantine’s over. We’re both healthy. We need to go our separate ways. I need to start looking for work. In case you forgot, I’m an essential healthcare worker.

I met your sister-in-law yesterday, William said.

Why?

Running into her by accident in the park is not a why, Darryl. It’s Chanise recognizing me and putting the pieces together. She’s nice, respectful. Calm under way too much personal pressure.

You meet her once and all of a sudden you’re on a first name basis?

Chanise is her name, Darryl.

She’s black.

William lowered his head into his hands.

She’s black and you’re not, Darryl said.

William’s voice quivered.

Like Rodney King said, can we all get along? Can we get along?

Darryl snapped.

Get the quote right, OK? Rodney King said, why can’t we all just get along?

We get the point, though, right?

To hear you tell it, Darryl said.

William tensed.

Is this about losing your brother or because I’m white?

Both.

I’m a good man, William said. You don’t know me.

And you’ll never know me.

What about all that content of your character Dr. King talked about?

Bullshit, Darryl said, the color of my skin matters. If you don’t see black then you don’t see me.

I can’t win, William said.

Your privilege already won, whitey.

Standing slowly from the table, William made a soft kissing sound. Dillon hopped from the window sill to the table and up on William’s lowered shoulder. Walking slowly to the door, William caught his breath in mid-sob. Dillon leaned into William’s neck and nuzzled as they headed down the stairs and out into the streetlight bright street. Looking up, Dillon squawked.

Turn out the light, he said.