"Do you have to make conversation?"

"Well, sir, I am a bartender and you are my last customer of the evening. It is my solemn duty to provide some friendly chat, you see. Very much like a priest, but without final judgment or the need for redemption. You can tell me anything you want."

"I don't want a friend or a priest, that's for sure. What am I drinking here?"

"Indeed, sir. Most people these days couldn't care less for their fellow man. We all have questions to ask and nobody to answer them."

"I know how that feels, bartender. What do you call this place?"

"I'm sorry, sir, but I never wanted to be a bartender really. Too much liquid and glass, I say. I'm more of a ink and paper craftsman myself. A writer, that's what I would like to be, I very much confess."

"What? Like a freakin' fairy poet?"

"Hardly, sir. I'm currently working on my first novel and it's quite a daunting, manly task. Today, for example, I've been practicing my use of dialogue."

"Dialogue? You mean right now?"

"I'm afraid so, sir."

"That explains why I can't get a decent whisky!"

"I apologize, sir, please bear with me."

"Also explains why this place feels so strange."

"Yes, a bit empty, isn't it?"

"Can't you describe something then?"

"It wouldn't make much sense, would it sir? People don't go about describing their surroundings, not unless they're blind or extremely shallow. I believe we should talk about what is really important to us, don't you think? That which we care for is what makes us human and not just fictional characters."

"I guess you're right."

"Thank you, sir."

"I'm in love with you."

"Sir?!"

"Stop calling me 'sir'! Haven't you noticed? I have been coming alone to your bar, almost every night, for several weeks now. I am not a poor drunk or a lost soul, your cocktails are lousy and your pleasant conversation sickens my stomach. The only reason I'm still here is because I love you."

"But..."

"The real question is: would you like to discuss my feelings over the rest of this dialog or will you just shut up and let me enjoy at least some meaningful description with you in it?"

We find ourselves in the last corners of the night, where the few remaining lights and faces gather to watch the streets go by between their wisps of smoke, music and alcohol. This particular bar has the kind of tenderness that keeps the place alive; this generous bartender speaks of things as they ought to be - will not waste time with what they are.