Американские боги

           "I’vegottokeepmoving."

           Shesmiledathim,lookingsuddenly,andforthefirsttime,vulnerable.Shepattedhimonthearm."You’refuckedup,mister.Butyou’recool."

           "Ibelievethat’swhattheycallthehumancondition,"saidShadow."Thanksforthecompany."

           "Noproblem,"shesaid."IfyouseeanygodsontheroadtoCairo,youmakesureandsayhitothemfromme."Shegotoutofthecar,andwenttothedoorofthehouse.Shepressedadoorbellandstoodthereatthedoor,withoutlookingback.Shadowwaiteduntilthedoorwasopenedandshewassafelyinsidebeforeheputhisfootdownandheadedbackforthehighway.HepassedthroughNormal,andBloomington,andLawndale.

           AteleventhatnightShadowstartedshaking.HewasjustenteringMiddletown.Hedecidedheneededsleep,orjustnottodriveanylonger,andhepulledupinfrontofaNight’sInn,paidthirty-fivedollars,cashinadvance,forhisground-floorroom,andwentintothebathroom.Asadcockroachlayonitsbackinthemiddleofthetiledfloor.Shadowtookatowelandcleanedofftheinsideofthetubwithit,thenranabath.Inthemainroomhetookoffhisclothesandputthemonthebed.Thebruisesonhistorsoweredarkandvivid.Hesatinthebath,watchingthecolorofthebathwaterchange.Then,naked,hewashedhissocksandbriefsandT-shirtinthebasin,wrungthemoutandhungthemontheclotheslinethatpulledoutfromthewallabovethebathtub.