"You're a pretty fucked up guy," I say. I turn back to the Book Review section, but I can't concentrate. I look back at the guy. We stare at each other for about 30 seconds. "Are you happy?" I ask.

"Yes," he says. "Because Jesus Christ is in me."

"He's in me, too," I say, not wanting to feel left out. "And on the days when I feel lousy. I know Jesus Christ is suffering with me." I like that idea. I haven't said anything that religious since my days at St. Paul's.

The guy repeats that I am a sinner. I look at my plate and eat a forkful of scrambled eggs. The eggs are cold. I start to feel uncomfortable. I want the guy to leave.

After a while he stands up to go. He is looking at me with a strange half-smile on his face. "Are you proud of what you are?" I say as a parting shot. I am mad at the guy. He has ruined my brunch.

"No," the guy says. "Without Jesus Christ I am nothing. Without Him I am a miserable wretch." The guy leaves.

I am shaken up. I go back to my room to finish the article about Namath, but I still can't concentrate. I'm restless. I put on my dark glasses and go outside. I walk down to the river and sit on the footbridge, watching the dark, timeless water flowing beneath me. There is a girl about 20 yeards away. Maybe I should go talk to her, I think. Maybe she is a sinner, too. I start to fell better.