[as Paul is looking at the first copy of his newest novel: The Higher Education of J. Philip Stone]

This is it. The very first copy. And the word I'm getting is the Times' review is going to be a love letter.

That'll be a first.

And my contacts at Time and Newsweek tell me they're both raves. And don't laugh. For the first time, I think you've got a shot at some prizes

Great.

I thought you'd be thrilled. You're being taken seriously.

I'm delighted the critics are liking it and I hope the people like it, too. But... I wrote it for me. I don't think I'm completely nuts, but... in some way, Annie Wilkes... that whole experience... uh, helped me.

Paul, since you brought her up, I have to ask you this or I'll be drummed out of the Agents' Union. How would you feel about a Non-Fiction book about what went on in that house?

Gee, Marcia. If I didn't know you any better, I'd think you were suggesting I drudge up the worst horror of my life, just so we can make a few bucks.

[as Paul imagines Annie Wilkes approaching]

I thought you were over it?

I don't know if anyone could ever totally get over something like that. It's weird. Even though I know she's dead, I still think about her once in a while.

[as the waitress is now table-side next to Paul, looking like a completely different woman]

Excuse me. I don't mean to bother you, but are you Paul Sheldon?

Yes.

I just want to tell you I'm your number 1 fan.

That's very sweet of you.