Pour Another

Introduction

It's a cold rainy evening. The streetlamps light the wet grounds beneath you, leading you down a road you are unfamiliar with. You soon find yourself lost and looking for signs that could indicate which way would you lead you back to familiar territory. You continue walking and see a single building still lit and seemingly open. Very few people seemed to be inside so you decide to enter and shelter yourself from the rain. As you enter, dripping with rainwater, you discover it is a bar and café. The inhabitants see you as you enter. A well-dressed man comes up to you.

"Are you lost? I've never seen you around here before." Says the man.

You agree, nodding your head as your entire body shakes from being cold and wet.

"Hey, barkeep, get this good soul a towel and make them a hot tea."

The barkeeper agrees with a nod and disappears into the back room. The gentleman sits you down on a stool at the bar. The barkeeper returns with a towel in hand and passes it to you. You grab the towel and wrap it around you. The barkeeper returns with your hot tea.

"So what brings you here?" Says the gentleman.

You don't say a word.

"If you're lost, we can get you a taxi home but, in this weather, it may take a while."

You respond with a nod and agree to request a taxi to come collect you. The barkeeper behind the bar picks up the telephone and calls a taxi. After the phone call ends, the gentleman requests a glass of whiskey to which the barkeeper complies.

"Seeing as your taxi will probably take a while, how about we pass the time?"

You shrug your shoulders as you look around the room to find a few people sitting in their armchairs, holding cups of coffee and talking to one another.

"They're all here to weather the storm. Just like you. It happens almost every night. Non-stop downpour."

You look back at the gentleman.

"Apologies. I haven't introduced myself. The name's Jeremy, Jeremy Fauxclaw. And you are?"

You continue to stay silent.

"If you don't want to talk, that's okay. You're lost and you just met some guy at a bar that is already giving you his name and offering help."

Jeremy chuckles as he brings his glass closer to his lips. He takes a swig of his drink and sets it back down.

"Whew. That's some strong stuff. Is this new?"

"Yes sir. Arrived this morning from the Irish coasts" says the barkeeper,"Unnamed as of yet."

"Well, if I ask for another, I'll have another one of them."

"Very good, sir."

The gentleman looks back towards you.

"You know what will calm your nerves?"

You stare blankly at him. Confused.

"Some good stories. They can always help calm people down and lift their spirits. Would you like to hear some?"

You shrug in response.

"Come on. Just one and that's it unless you decide you want some more."

You change your decision and follow through. You roll your eyes and nod in response.

"Alright. We'll start with a good one, an old favourite of mine."