Free Time

AT RISE:

A YOUNG MAN sits at a bar, nursing a glass of beer. He speaks to a BARTENDER.

YOUNG MAN:
I'm thinking of developing a drinking problem.

BARTENDER:
Oh?

YOUNG MAN:
Yeah I think it would really give my life a focus and direction it's been lacking up until this point.

BARTENDER:
I don't think that's an entirely accurate worldview.

YOUNG MAN:
Maybe so.

He takes a small sip of beer.

YOUNG MAN:
But hey, maybe I'll get lucky and be one of those really brilliant drunks, like Oscar Wilde or something. Hemmingway! I doubt he wrote a word sober.

BARTENDER:
He also shot himself in the face.

YOUNG MAN:
You know, you really could be more supportive.

He takes another sip. He grimaces.

YOUNG MAN:
How many have I had so far?

BARTENDER:
One.

YOUNG MAN:
This is going to take some doing.

Another sip.

YOUNG MAN:
I'm trivializing a debilitating disease, aren't I?

BARTENDER:
Yes.

YOUNG MAN:
I was afraid of that.

He sighs.

YOUNG MAN:
Maybe I'll just give Mah Jong another chance.

BARETENDER:
That might be a better idea.

There is a buzzing noise. The Young Man takes a phone out of his pocket. He looks at the display, then quickly puts it back in his pocket. He sighs again.

YOUNG MAN:
Can I get a water?

The Bartender hands him a bottled water. The Young Man opens it and takes a swig.

YOUNG MAN:
Yeah. Mah Jong it is.

BLACKOUT. END PLAY.