No Longer Human ( PDFDrive )

162
She blushed.
I pursued the theme. "I can't do any work unless
1 have the medicine. It's a kind of energy-builder
for me."
"How about hormone injections?"
"Don't be silly. It's liquor or that medicine, one
or the other. If I haven't got it I can't work."
"You mustn't drink."
"That's right. I haven't touched a drop of liquor
since I began with that medicine. I'm in fine physical
shape, thanks to you. I don't intend to go on drawing
stupid cartoons forever, you know. Now that I've
stopped drinking and have straightened myself out,
I'm going to study. I'm sure I can become a great
painter. I'll show you. If only I can get over this critical
period. So, please. How about a kiss?"
She burst out laughing. "What a nuisance you
are. You may already have become an addict, for all
I know." Her crutches clacked as she hobbled over
to the shelf to take down some medicine. "I can't
give you a whole box. You'd use it all up. Here's
half."
"How stingy you've become! Well, if that's the
best you can do."
I gave myself a shot as soon as I got back home.
Yoshiko timidly asked, "Doesn't it hurt?"
"Of course it hurts. But I've got to do it, no