If he stops now, Fakir doesn't know if he can start again. But he can't keep going without a rest, so he might as well drink the water and take the break.

In the bathroom, Fakir allows himself a few minutes to sit on the closed toilet and breathe carefully in and out. He keeps his eyes open, for fear he'll fall asleep and fail the whole test. Then Fakir wipes his hands and face with a hot washcloth and returns to the study.

"I'll probably dream of this room," Fakir says.

He didn't mean to say that out loud.