in the grey predawn, he held a needle in the flame of a cigarette lighter until it glowed red. Grimacing, he pushed it through his toenail until a drop of blood beaded through to the surface. As advised, he then filled the sink with warm water and submerged his foot in it. He stood with his leg over the counter and his foot in the sink for an hour, watching a ribbon of blood spool out of his toe. Now, he thought, I might be able to sleep.