One-Sided, Nonetheless

The air conditioner rattled, coughed and faded and, for a split-second, seemed ready to give up, losing a one-sided battle . . . against the heat of noonday that had invaded his darkened room; the tired machine struggled, stayed on, nevertheless. He tried to recall what she had said, but could not and, for the briefest moment, seemed ready to quit, losing a lopsided fight . . . against forgetfulness that drowned his thoughts, blurred his sight, and choked his mind; he tried and remembered, though vaguely, nonetheless !