ABSTRACT
The cracking voice is a sure sign that John is due to record, as are headaches, insomnia, intense craving for Pepsi, and any number of other symptoms. John Kramer wants, more than anything else in this world, to be a big star. The gas furnace in their living room explodes into action every so often, covering the walls with a blue flame glow and emitting a sound of roasting popcorn. John Kramer sits alone in the recording studio. They have turned out the lights and placed him behind an immense acoustical screen. Instruments are scattered around the room. The ceiling is covered with a thick, soundproof coat. John Kramer hates that song more than he hates the kid who used to beat him up when he was 8. More than he hates the super who left the heat off, freezing John’s parakeet Rosalie.
