Wilder: I mean, I was when I was younger, can’t help that shit, but not anymore.

Scottie: Thank God for small miracles.

Wilder: It’ll be fine. I promise. I don’t snore. I keep to my side. Not to mention I brush my teeth, floss, and use mouthwash twice a day. Good dental hygiene over here.

Scottie: How do you know you don’t snore?

Wilder: The clinic down the street from me was doing sleep studies and needed some bodies to fill in; it was just one of those experiences I took advantage of. They told me I was an excellent sleeper, very unlike some of the people they study. Felt bad because I was boring to watch.

Scottie: Are you always doing random things? Is this a money thing?

Wilder: I don’t need the money. Seriously though, no need to worry on the sleeping thing, and I’ll be sure to give you plenty of privacy whenever you need it. The camp backs up to a forest, so I plan on going on a lot of walks. I have a bird book I’m going to bring with me so I can do some bird-watching in our off hours. I’m also excited to bust out my binoculars. It’s one of the very few things that I’ve spent good money on.

Curious, I type back a question, because why is he making it seem like money is not a thing to him?

Scottie: What other things did you spend money on?

Wilder: My house—a brownstone in Brooklyn. My binoculars. My computer—because that’s a necessity. A charcoal set for drawing. And a first-edition signed copy of Misery by Stephen King.

A brownstone? Did I read that right? Uhhh, have I completely misread this man? Not that money matters to me, but my brain starts to connect the dots. Is he…is he wealthy? Is that why he has all this time on his hands? I have questions for Mika.

Scottie: That’s all really random stuff.

Wilder: They’re all things that matter the most to me.

Scottie: Interesting. I feel like you can learn a lot about a person with such eclectic taste.

Wilder: And what did you learn?

Scottie: That if we met at a bar, we probably never would have hooked up.

Wilder: Ouch. LOL. But good to know. Well, I’m off. If you need anything, just let me know.

I don’t bother writing back; instead, I set my phone down and stare out at the pit in front of me.

Misery… Should I be worried?

“Is your brother a psychopath?” I ask as I take a seat at the bar.

Mika smirks and sets a napkin down. “He is not.”

“Then why are you smiling?” I point at his curved lips.

“Because I find it funny that you asked the moment you saw me. Knowing Wilder, you probably had quite the experience today.”