They sat on a bench and Sproule held his wounded arm to his chest and rocked back and forth and blinked in the sun. What do you want to do? said the kid.Get a drink of water.Other than that.I dont know.You want to try and head back?To Texas?I don't know where else.We'd never make it.Well you say.I aint got no say.He was coughing again. He held his chest with his good hand and sat as if he'd get his breath. What have you got, a cold?I got consumption.Consumption?He nodded. I come out here for my health.
In a poignant moment of uncertainty, two characters find themselves in a difficult situation. Sproule, struggling with a wound and illness, reflects on their options while sitting on a bench. The conversation reveals his physical state and mental struggle as he contemplates the extent of their dire circumstances. His condition is serious, suggesting that he is suffering from tuberculosis, which he refers to as "consumption." This highlights the harsh realities of their environment and the toll it has taken on them both.
Their dialogue conveys a sense of hopelessness, as they grapple with their limited choices. While one character suggests heading back to Texas, Sproule expresses doubt about their ability to survive the journey. The exchange underscores their desperation and the weight of their predicament, encapsulating a broader theme of survival and the fragility of life within the narrative. McCarthy's writing emphasizes the stark landscape and the emotional burdens carried by his characters.
