3pipeproblem | Drabble for...uh...The Quiet American

This might be-dare I say it?-good. Never know with my drabbles.

And yes, this is the obscure fandom. Spoilers. Written for

book100's "final word" challenge.

For a journalist, it would have concluded with the dispatch of a short but poignant telegram: Regret to report Alden Pyle's tragic death STOP Nobly gave his life in defense of democracy ENDIT

But as Fowler constantly reminded himself, he was a reporter. For a reporter, nothing concluded until it was over.

His final words had been "I'll let you know."

Final word: "Know."

No.

This wasn't reporting; it was self-torture. It was assigning blame, the stuff of journalism.

And besides, who knew what his last words had been?

Something innocent, even as the knife had torn into him.

Please.