Sammy had been sitting in the bar for
four hours drinking his usual gin and tonic, one drink after another, and even
he would admit he was soused if he could put a sentence together. He
didnt have to talk, however, since he was the only customer left and
there was an hour to go before closing. All he had to do was tap on the bar
twice in front of his empty glass and the bartender would give him another
drink. The service was wonderful.
Then two men in trench coats and fedoras
walked in and sat down a few stools away from Sammy. They ordered a couple of
beers. They seemed to be concerned about something and Sammy always liked to
listen in on other peoples conversations.
We need more room, the big
man said. We can hardly take any more people. But they keep coming down
and we cant send them anywhere else. You would think we were Las Vegas
and the drinks were free."
Where will we get more room?
Were not talking real estate here, the little fellow said. No
one thinks this place exists anyway. They think were a figment of
someones imagination. New arrivals are always surprised.
Then the big man said, Oh, some
people know we exist but they think we only get dictators and used car
salesmen. The common belief is everyone else goes upstairs right away, provided
there is an upstairs. More and more people think there may be nothing at the
end.
The little guy thought about that for a
moment and said, Well, I heard two women arguing the other day about
where cats and dogs go. I know we dont have any cats and dogs. Where
would we put them? Pretty soon well be getting Boomers. Theyre a
fussy bunch. We need more room now!
Sammy didnt know what to make of
all of this. He wished he wasnt drunk so he could join the conversation
but all he could do was listen. The two men finally left and Sammy told himself
hed come back tomorrow night and ask the bartender who the hell those two
guys were. Then he tapped on the bar twice in front of his empty
glass.