章 24: Chapter 24

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Passing through the entry hall of Butch’s apartment building, Ernie questioned why they weren’t taking the elevator. He asked Butch if it was out of order.

Butch laughed, ruffed Ernie’s hair, and said, “Take every chance at physical fitness and make it count.”

As they started up the stairs, Butch expressed appreciation for Ernie’s openness about his life.

In an effort to be as open in return, Butch related what he’d done that morning, explaining who Troy was and what had happened between them. He finished with, “So, I came home today and packed up all his stuff and put it outside the door. Troy and I have been having trouble for a long time and…Ah! The bags are gone,” Butch exclaimed as they came out of the stairwell and started down the hall.

When they got to the apartment, Butch looked at the note he’d left. It was still hanging on the door. Someone, presumably Troy, Ernie decided, had added, Screw you, bitch!