Over Breakfast

Perhaps he was still tight from the bender he partook of the night before. Whatever the case, he stumbled into the restaurant and sat at a table nearest the wall.

With a sudden jerk of realization, he saw the man seated to his left and apologized, “So sorry, I didn’t see you sitting here, please excuse me.”

The other man quickly said, “You are fine. Sit and stay. It’s nice to have the company.”

The pair sat quietly, waiting for the waitress to see them and bring a menu to their table.

“What are you having?” the new arrival said.

“I think I have the two eggs over easy with a piece of toast and a cup of coffee.”

“Ah, a light breakfast,” the other responded. “Great idea. I hope you don’t mind.”

The waitress came and took the order.

“Please don’t mind me if you don’t want to talk,” the second man said. “I have a problem and could use some sound advice.”

“Sure, if I can help.”

“I want to quit.”

“Quit? I don’t understand. Quit what?”

“Everything. Just quit it all.”

“Odd that you’d say such a thing, I have had the same thought.”

“Yeah, what makes you wanna quit?”

“People. People and society. It isn’t like it used to be.”

“I know what you are saying. I find it hard to fight back against all the negative that seems to be swirling around the bottom of the toilet bowl of life…”

“…and you’re afraid if you keep at it, you might get sucked down with it.”

“Exactly! And I’m tired of fighting against it.”

Just then, their meal arrived, and they ate in silence. Meager as it was, the two enjoyed every morsel, even sliding the toast around the plate to collect the last bit of yellow egg yolk.

“I must be going,” the first man said as he reached for his wallet.

“I do too,” the later arrival said. “Let me get your breakfast. It’s the least I can do for your hospitality.”

“Thank you. As for giving up, neither of us can, you know. We are the last bastions of desency in this depraved world.”

“You’re right. Again, thank you for the company, the conversation and your advice.”

“My pleasure,” the man said as he stood up.

After paying for the meal and the one man had gone, the man who had stumbled in left the way he came.

With window cleaner and rag in hand, the waitress shook her head and chuckled as she wiped down the mirror the drunk man was talking to.