`` even more reason to do what the note says , '' thomas said . he had lost count of the number of times he had tossed the painting , frame and all , into the fireplace and lit a match , only to watch the tiny flame flicker and go out . but why was he here at all ? he looked out the window and saw the sun shining brightly over the valley , and thought about what he wanted to do today . first word the other man had spoken . and it means we all get our jobs done . '' 