Day 98

Five Minute writing session!

Scene: Stanley is behind the counter, late night, staring at open door as an older man walks in, balding, blotting sweat off his head, looking as if to cover it up. The man walks to the bar and sits on a stool, Stanley stares at the door for a moment more than rolls his head to look at the man, the man stares down at the bar, putting his handkerchief away, neither of them speaking.

Stanley: Can you see the time (gesturing to the clocktower)?
Man: (leans back) no, I'm afraid.
Stanley: Have you got a watch.
Man (looks to wrist): No
(beat)
Man: you should get a clock
(beat)
Stanley: I'd need the money
Man: Well I'd like a drink
Stanley: Do you have money?
Man: Yes
Stanley: Are you going to run out on me?
Man: No
Stanley: Are you going to run away?
Man: No, I don't think so.
(beat)
Man: I'd like a Gin and Tonic
Stanley: I just bought this bottle
Man: then a double, and make one for yourself.
Stanley: I don't drink at work
Man: You should, its relaxing. Always loosens me up. I don't work anymore though, so now I just drink.
(beat)
Man: I have a daughter.
(beat, Stanley drinks his quickly)
Stanley: That so?
Man: She's pretty, and very sick.
Stanley: I know her.
Man: You do? A friend?
Stanley: We've talked.
Man: She's sick you know, and I don't have a job.
Stanley: That rough man told me so.
Man: Luca, oh, but he's so simple.
Stanley: He simply drinks all my Gin.
Man: You have some now, though.
Stanley: It'll be gone tomorrow.
Man: But you know my daughter?
Stanley: I know that you think she's sick.
Man: She is, though, many people think she is.
Stanley: Which people?
Man: Doctors mostly.
Stanley: My father was a doctor.
Man: Really?
Stanley: Brother is too, your daughter is going to his practice. He wouldn't mind if she was late coming in. He was always late. He was late to dinner every night. He was late to Father's funeral. He'll be late to his own.
Man: I'll let her know.
(beat)
Man: It's so cold.
(beat)
Man: Another.