A bar man and a drunk: 001

 (Takes a deep breath, looks away as if lost in thought, then speaks with a heavy heart)

And one day… it was too late. Just like that. You don’t realize it at the time, but that moment sneaks up on you. See, it was August 2021. I had an idea. A silly idea, maybe, but it was mine. I mean, who knows, right? Who knows what could’ve come of it? Every single day was a chance to bring it to life. But instead, I got a call. You know the kind—the kind that says, "Let’s go out," "There's a party," "Come on, we’re invited." Every distraction you can imagine was there. Every. Single. One.

And I was there for all of it. Every time. Available, front and center. But for my dream? For the one thing that was mine? Nah, I couldn’t seem to avail myself. The calls for fun were louder, easier. And so I pushed it aside. Over and over again.

(Takes a long pause, his voice trembling slightly)

And one day… all the people I partied with, they went on. They chased their visions, pursued their dreams. And me? I was left there… staring at the mist, hoping, just praying for that last ounce of grace from God to dream the same dream again. But it was too late.

(Takes a slow sip from his whiskey, the ice clinking softly in the silence)

It was too damn late.

(Sets the glass down, voice growing quieter, filled with regret)

Let me tell you something. You think you have time. You think those distractions are harmless, just a night, just a moment. But before you know it, the moments are gone. And when you look back, you’ll realize all those "somedays" slipped through your fingers. If you’ve got a dream, no matter how silly it seems, don’t wait. Don’t… push it aside for the noise. Because one day, that grace you’re praying for, it might never come.

(Takes a deep breath, voice a whisper)

It’ll be too late.

(Pushes the glass forward, voice breaking)

Give me another double...