In a dark world, where people work in a coal mine, food, health care, masks against coal dust, and adequate clothing are not provided regularly to workers. Abe tries to save another worker and is lifted from the level of worker to that of a doctor. His quality of life vastly improves: three meals a day, a uniform, an office, his own bedroom ….

The job is a farce. Abe lacks the skills and his supply of medicine and first aid is insufficient. He is only a pharmacist. A patient is brought in who has multiple wounds in his chest. Abe, using supplies he has been given, covers the wounds with band aids, then sends the patient to the hospital.

A woman comes to be treated for headaches, probably because she is malnourished. Abe falls into a relationship with her. She becomes pregnant. Though he doesn’t always eat the food he is given, he doesn’t provide nourishment to his lover.

A guard offers Abe a chance to escape but clarifies the opportunity is only offered to Abe. Nor can he take a second person, least of all his girlfriend. If he accepts the offer, will it be legitimate? More importantly, will Abe stay at the work camp to give his lover a chance to survive under impossible conditions?

I recommend Lee’s writings. His stories usually have more than one interpretation. Often, he makes social commentary. This story is no exception. Travis gives the reader space to reflect to grasp each story’s meaning on a deeper level. Give it to friends as gifts and enjoy discussing what they think the stories mean.