The Things you Need

The useless leaves from outside have blown into the entryway. The wind howls up the stairwell. I sit in my chair thinking, pondering, wondering what he could be up to out there in the darkness.

The doorbell rings

I can hear Esposito breathing heavily into the intercom.
Finally, he speaks softly into the receiver...

"Did you find the things you need?
All of the glorious things that you need?"

He moans and wheezes some more.

I can hear his hollow steps coming up the stairs as my heart is gripped by fear. The door knob slowly turns, and I can see his hunched silhouette against the back light. He steps forward, holding in his hand a holiday gift basket filled with fruit and jam.

"These are the things you need." he says

"Oh yes... all of the things you need."

He hands me the basket then smiles. I can see the tears in his bloodshot eyes.