What is wrong with you? Ronnie asked. What are you waiting for? You gotta get in the ballgame. The clock is ticking. Soon, nothing will be left. Everything gone. No more opportunities. And then what? Eating at a shelter? Sleeping on the floor? This is not what I want to see happen to you, he said.

Leave me alone, Bobby told him. I’m staying right here.

I can’t fault you for that, Ronnie placed his hand on Bob’s shoulder. You can sit in the bar as much as you like. But soon your money is going to run out. Hear me? And you’ll be drunk, hungry, and tired. You’ll piss your pants cause you can’t find a public toilet. You’ll shit yourself.

Leave me alone, Ronnie. I’m warning you.

Ronnie reached into his pocket and fetched a ten spot. He placed the bill on the bar in front of Bobby.

Bobby held the money and looked at it. He clutched it in his fist and put it in his wallet. He smiled.

Today’s my lucky day.