"Sorry neighbor, but I don't believe it. Anyone who wanders in here, does so for a reason--perhaps loneliness, or ennui, obligation, or desire. But for whatever reason, we all come here for some purpose..."
His eyes bore into you for a bit, then turn quietly away. You toss back your whiskey and order another round. Quietly, you ask, "Then why did you come here, old man?"
Another quick sad smile and a shake of the head. "To remember...and forget, neighbor.
I had a wife once...ach, Sarah was a beautiful creature. But I didn't see that then." Dry, aching chuckle. "She was so good to me--and I, consumed with thoughts of glory and wealth, never saw it. I lost--I lost her to life. To this day I know not if she lives or molders."
His brows fall as he ponders the mystery of the counter. "I was always too busy with work. In the beginning, it was a few late nights, drinks after a hard day. My time with Sarah slowly disappeared; eventually, I went days without going home. EVENTUALLY I returned home to find the house empty, sans furtniture, sans Sarah, sans everything.
I wandered for years, until I ended here. Now I pass my time killing what's left of my memory and telling my story to those who will listen.
Just remember, KID, that nothing happens suddenly. We sow the seeds of our own destruction long and long again before we reap them. Sometimes, we don't even realize that it's our own poison that we're swallowing.
An avalanche begins with the fall of a single stone, my friend. Look at your life--do you ever take the easy way out of a conversation? Do you ever waste time in front of television or behind a desk when you should be living and loving life? Remember the little tasks, the small joys and your life will be wonderful. We possess the ability for great joy and great sadness, but great emotions are built upon small actions.
A bitter laugh and a tear. The man slumps, for a moment. Then, slowly, the storm of rage and regret subsides and the old Prince lazily resurfaces. A nearly invisible shudder shakes his form. The head slowly rotates toward you, and he asks, "Why hello, neighbor, and can I buy you a drink?"
You sigh. Tossing a couple of bucks on the counter you tell the barkeep, "the next one's on me". You pat the Prince on the shoulder as you turn to go. His eyes gleam for a moment and then he turns back to his salvation...and destruction.
You walk away thinking about what the old man said...