How Late It Was, How Late

Content Warning: The source material features depictions of police violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and ableism against people with sight loss.

The protagonist, Sammy Samuels, awakens outdoors in a state of disorientation. His mind is filled with self-critical thoughts as he hopes to face his troubles but feels an internal barrier holding him back. He experiences physical discomfort: a sore back, a stiff body, and a pounding headache. He reflects on his situation, sitting near rusty palings and wearing old sneakers instead of his recently acquired leather shoes. He suspects that his leather shoes may have been stolen, possibly by someone who mistook him for dead.

As Sammy contemplates his predicament, he encounters people whom he initially considers tourists before realizing that they are policemen in civilian clothing (called “sodjers” in Glaswegian slang). Sammy experiences violent thoughts toward them. He then approaches them, asking for a pound coin, but is met with disdain and rejection, which causes him to confront them. A brief altercation ensues, and the policemen overpower Sammy and severely beat him.

Later, Sammy wakes up in a prison cell, where he battles excruciating physical discomfort. His thoughts oscillate between desperation and frustration as he reflects on the injuries that he has suffered.