In a humorous and somewhat unsettling admonition, a character indicates that someone should gather their belongings before bed. The arrival of a former bishop from Turkey, accompanied by a group of black men, leads to uncertainty about what might happen next. The character hints at a range of bizarre possibilities, from harmless pranks involving candy in shoes to more outlandish scenarios like being stuffed into a sack and taken away.

This mix of humor and tension reveals a playful yet ominous tone about the unknown. The advice emphasizes the importance of being prepared for unexpected encounters, which adds to the overall complexity of the situation. The passage exemplifies David Sedaris's knack for blending wit with deeper themes of anxiety and anticipation in everyday life.