Curtains hanging in windows blocking out the sun. A cat in the corner nursing her young. A coffee can filled with piss.

Two men sit at a card table in metal folding chairs, playing dominoes. A score pad is lying there with a pen beside it; slid back and forth as points are made.

Five connects with ten, making it fifteen, Paul says. Woowee. I’m on a roll.

John examines the table and his dominoes. He takes a drink from a half pint bottle of whiskey. I’ll connect the fives as well and take a few myself. He tells his competitor as the score pad is pushed towards him.

Both men look hard at the wooden pieces that lay before them. Black with white dots representing numbers, points. Paul begins to bite his nails. They’re black and blue. Chipped. His knuckles are bloody, skin torn away.

Momma cat goes looking for food. John takes a potato chip and hands it down to her. She examines it, and the young man rubs her ears. He stands and takes a leak in the Maxwell House can.

Can’t you do that in a corner? Paul asks. I don’t want to see your business.

You’ve seen it before.

You must be mistaken, Paul tells him, eyes focused back on the blocks.

Nope. I’m pretty sure it was you, says John. In fact, I know it was. You look at it all the time. You can’t wait for me to pull it out. He laughs.

Better watch what you’re saying, boy. If you’re saying what I think you’re saying. Questioning my manhood. I’ll knock your ass down. The cat circles Paul’s ankles. She head butts his calves. Rubs up against him. He pulls a chip out of the bag and gives it to her. She licks the salt off of it.

John places the can back on the dirt floor. Some spills out, making mud.

Damn it, Paul yells. Be more careful. Don’t wanna go around here stepping in puddles of piss.

John laughs. I think piss is the least of our troubles. Both men look at each other and glance down at the table.

You think you’re a real tough guy. Don’t you? Paul says.

I suppose so.

Paul reaches under and turns the table upside down. Dominoes and chips fly everywhere.

Why did you go and do that for? John asks. Sonofabitch. He begins picking up the dominoes and places them in a purple Crown Royal bag. I’m done playing with you. He walks over to the window and pulls back the curtains. He pushes on the handles and begins to slide his thick body through onto the grass outside.

Come back here, Paul screams. Get  back in here now.

John keeps walking.  He hears Paul crying out but continues to walk. He begins to whistle ‘Round About Midnight.

Paul keeps crying.