SCENE: WILLIAM, a loan drifter, apparently on the run, has come to a small town in the middle of nowhere. He has made his way to the drinking establishment owned by JOE. Joe attempts to get William to open up about his problems.
JOE
What’s the matter with you, pal?
WILLIAM
What makes you think there’s something the matter?
JOE
Well… the way you look, the way you act… the way you ain’t laughed at some the best cracks I’ve made in a couple of months.
WILLIAM
It’s personal.
JOE
Yeah, and I’ll bet you’re just itching to tell someone about it.
WILLIAM
And… I suppose you’re that someone?
JOE
Why not? Comes with the job.
WILLIAM
Why should I tell you, a complete stranger, my problems?
JOE
I’m a bartender. People tell their bartender stuff that they won’t share with their spouses. Or even their doctor.
WILLIAM
(Beat)
Well, I’m not married. And I don’t have a doctor.
JOE
Well then, what’ve you got to lose?
William puts his glass down on the bar and looks Joe straight in the eye.
WILLIAM
Have you ever done something that you later regret?
JOE
Well… sure. I reckon we all have. Personally, I missed the boat investing in a fast food franchise…
WILLIAM
Mine was more of a gift. A promise, actually.
JOE
What… sort of promise?
WILLIAM
An eternity of togetherness.
JOE
Ah, I see, it was a woman.
(Beat)
It was a woman, right?
WILLIAM
Yes. A woman I cared very deeply for, and whom I thought cared the same for me.
JOE
The oldest story in the books, huh? She threw the ring back in your face, eh?
WILLIAM
Ring?
JOE
Yeah.
William regards Joe with befuddlement, clearly not understanding the remark.
JOE
You did ask her to marry you, didn’t you?
WILLIAM
No, I… well, yes. I suppose it was like a marriage proposal, in a way.
