The guy stayed in the laundry room. Howard wanted to stay too. What point was there in going back to his room. Also there was some dormant fear about this guy messing with his clothes. He had already taken them out of the washer while he wasn't here... who knew what else he would be capable of while he was gone.

Even with these suspicions and unusual feelings, Howard liked the guy. He really spoke like one of those old school actors, black and white film type stuff. Strong man who would stare off into space and speak monologues.

Luckily for Howard, he didn't have to make the decision on whether to leave or not. The other guy pulled out a pack of cards and asked "do you play?"

Howard didn't know how to answer. Play what? was what he wondered... but he'd sound stupid asking that.

"How about a game of go-fish?"

"Sure. I know how to play that."

The guy sat down and began to shuffle. Howard sat across the wooden table from him. They had already wiped up  the moisture left by the pile of Howard's wet clothes that were now in the dryer.