THE WAITER
|
40-ish.
A regular Joe.
|
THE CUSTOMER
|
50-ish
A business executive.
|
A SMALL RESTAURANT IN A TRAIN STATION....
MIDNIGHT....
In walks JOSEPH P. HERMLETT, an aloof business executive who’s just missed his train.
When it comes to matters of business, Hermlett’s prepared for anything. But he sure isn’t prepared for
what awaits him in this deserted restaurant - a garrulous waiter named JACK,
who first gives Hermlett unasked for (but as it turns out very helpful) advice on what to order,
and then, when the meal comes, sits down at Hermlett’s and begins to share it with him.
That’s bad enough...
Then Jack starts asking questions.
Do you like your life?
Are you happy?
Do you steal?
Are you honest with yourself?
The questions keep hitting closer and closer to home, until Hermlett flies into a rage.
Anger and intimidation has always kept the world at a comfortable distance for Hermlett.
But it has no effect on Jack.
And, seeing this, Hermlett breaks down.
But like everything else for Hermlett in this very unusual evening, that, too, does not go where Hermlett expects it to.
And when he finally leaves the restaurant, Joseph P. Hermlett is a very different person.
MIDNIGHT....
In walks JOSEPH P. HERMLETT, an aloof business executive who’s just missed his train.
When it comes to matters of business, Hermlett’s prepared for anything. But he sure isn’t prepared for
what awaits him in this deserted restaurant - a garrulous waiter named JACK,
who first gives Hermlett unasked for (but as it turns out very helpful) advice on what to order,
and then, when the meal comes, sits down at Hermlett’s and begins to share it with him.
That’s bad enough...
Then Jack starts asking questions.
Do you like your life?
Are you happy?
Do you steal?
Are you honest with yourself?
The questions keep hitting closer and closer to home, until Hermlett flies into a rage.
Anger and intimidation has always kept the world at a comfortable distance for Hermlett.
But it has no effect on Jack.
And, seeing this, Hermlett breaks down.
But like everything else for Hermlett in this very unusual evening, that, too, does not go where Hermlett expects it to.
And when he finally leaves the restaurant, Joseph P. Hermlett is a very different person.
