Mysterious Drinker

scene: an old wooden bar. late at night, lingering smoke, nearly empty. an almost-friendly, dusty looking joint. vacant pool table at the rear.

cast: crusty, wise bartender. young man drinking. couple of nameless, faceless others at rear tables.

(bartender approaches customer, replacing his used ashtray with a fresh one.)

bartender: last call, sonny. what'll it be?

(drinker is slightly inebriated but not slurring. slightly depressed but not angry or violent.)

drinker: already? another bourbon. make it a triple.

bartender: girl trouble?

(turns around, reaches for the bottle)

drinker: you could say that

(bartender starts to pour, tapers off early)

bartender: that's a strong dose. sure you want a triple? i ain't staying here all night.

drinker: just pour it.

(bartender pours)

(pause, drinker sips, addresses bartender)

drinker: ya see, my hide is chapped like a couple of sandpapered grizzlies.

bartender: how's that?

drinker: my gristle is putrid!!

(fade to black)