A Cracker and Fruit Punch

The Zoo Cage Prophet

One morning, I was taken to the phlebotomist. My doctor had ordered blood tests, and three full tubes of blood were being demanded of me. My arms' veins cooperated nicely, the process didn't take long, and I put on a brave front. Thirty minutes later I was back in my cell, reading my Bible.

As I read, my focus was off. My mind was not retaining anything. I found myself reading and rereading the same lines. I closed my eyes, thinking of the three tubes of blood and wondering if they had anything to do with it. I got up, drank some water, and then I stretched and took a few good, deep breaths.

I...