Teaser Tuesday

Thanks to Elana over at Mindless Musings, I'm of a mind to post a teaser from my WIP. So here's a short something for everyone to enjoy.

"I am dying of cirrhosis" Joe stated matter-of-factly. The immediate concern on Frank’s face prompted him to continue, "Oh don’t feel bad for me. I’ve done it to myself, years and years of drinking the worst liquor, anything to pull me down into numbness." He took a breath, sat up a bit straighter, and said, "I haven’t had a drop though in over a year. When they told me….well I guess that was the bucket of water I needed to sober up."

"Do you know how long you have?" Frank said, clearly feeling bad for the man. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"I’m on borrowed time as it is, Frank", Joe replied. "I’ve lived a lot longer than I ever should have. Hell, I’ve out-lived a lot of people I used to know. I checked once, thinking that maybe I could beg forgiveness in exchange for some medical care. But I guess now I’m ready, for whenever that time comes. I miss my Francine, and I’m more than ready to see her again."

Frank sat there just staring at the poor soul, not even sure what an appropriate thing to say would be. The waitress came by and refreshed their coffee, leaving the bill on the table. Finally Frank said, "What can I do Joe? Tell me. I don’t have a lot, but I’ll help if I can." A smile creased his weary face and Joe just replied "Nothing. Like I said, I don’t take handouts. And since I’m on the last leg of the trip, there’s no way to pay you back." With that, Joe took another sip of his coffee and moved to get up.

"Joe, wait a…."

"No Frank…. No!" Joe cut him off. "If you want to help somebody, pick someone a bit younger with more to live for. Me, I’m ready to go. If you remember me when I’m gone, that’s fine. But don’t go trying to get me in debt. I don’t need that on my soul at the end. Thank you for the lunch." Without another word, Joe turned his back on Frank and shuffled out the door.