| Young Master Ricardo Talks to Himself? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Chapter Navigation | ||
| The Clamor of the Delinquents | You Are Here | A Conversation Between Inmates |
Synopsis[]
As Christopher Shaldred, Sickle, and Graham Specter fight, Ricardo Russo watches from the sidelines and reflects on how 'insane' the three are. Chris and Graham appear to be having fun all the same, however, and Ricardo admits to feeling a bit jealous—he has not smiled like they are smiling in years, and he doubts he has ever enjoyed himself as much as the two men are now. Christopher may call himself unnatural, but Ricardo believes himself far less 'natural' by human standards. With Christopher comes another point of envy; Ricardo does not think Christopher has ever looked so alive in his company.
Ricardo recalls how, when the two of them were helping Lua Klein with a jigsaw puzzle not long ago, Christopher called himself a 'true square' existing in the puzzle that is the world. The idea of being a one-piece puzzle had made Christopher happy, or so Christopher had claimed.
Although Ricardo had not understood Christopher's meaning at the time, he now mulls that Graham and Sickle must be square pieces just like Christopher. All three fit together and break apart so easily, and Ricardo imagines they would make a pretty picture if framed. He tells himself not to entertain the idea of joining the trio, and instead focus on how to stop the fight—how to "kick this ridiculous jigsaw puzzle" just like he wants to kick the world into pieces.
When he shatters the world, he wants to enjoy himself and wear the same expression that the others are wearing now.
Trivia[]
- The puzzle metaphor used here and in the other color inserts is invoked in the novel's cover and chapter illustrations.
- This color insert takes place during the fight in Dolce, c.f. Chapter 4.
Quotes[]
- "That's why, that's exactly why— True squares fit together so perfectly, it's almost frightening. They come apart with ease, but if you put them together in a frame, I think they'd make a very, very pretty picture." —Ricardo