Glancing at Red who is whispering something in Sarah’s ear, he assumes they are mocking him, as they would a mentally ill beggar in the f*******n Zone. Insecure and suffering from low self-esteem, he continues to quiver with anxiety. Hardly concerned about Shorty’s condition, Joe reiterates the former theologian’s admonition about Independence Day. “When people least expect it, Armageddon may come like the enemy sneaking up from behind you.” Loyal to God and country, he reminds everyone that Independence Day is a celebration of patriotism. Having heard enough, Grace rolls her wheelchair to the front door and leaves the diner.
Under the bright red, white, and blue neon lights that illuminate the Dream Diner at night, Grace waits for an android-operated taxi to take her home. The diner’s fl
