Time Out of Mind - George/Raoul

George:

What do you mean?

Raoul:

The shelter system. Have you ever stayed in a shelter before? Were you ever processed?

George:

I just need a place to stay for a little while.

Raoul:

That’s not what I’m asking. I’m checking for your name. If you’re assigned a shelter already. Don’t bust my balls.

George:

Can I just get a bed for tonight?

Raoul:

Do have any form of ID?

George:

No.

Raoul:

Do have anywhere you can go? Anywhere to call? A friend’s couch? You’d be better off.

George:

I don’t have anywhere to… Are you all filled up? Should I come back later?

Raoul:

There is no later. The law says we have to give you bed.

George:

I’ll take whatever you have. The floor. I just need a blanket. Blankets help me sleep better.

Raoul:

You’ll stay here tonight. In a bed. We’ll evaluate you and if you qualify you’d be assigned a permanent shelter.

George:

What do you mean?

Raoul:

A place where you can stay.

George:

Permanent?

Raoul:

Up to you. We get all kinds.

George:

I haven’t had a job in years. I’m too old to get hired. No one would hire me. Not someone like me. I’m just no good anymore.

Raoul:

Yeah, well. Look at me. 9/11 blew my brains out. I had to crawl out of the ditches, if you know what I mean.

George:

I don’t know what you mean.

Raoul:

I mean I was on your side the glass once.

George: I thought it was plastic.

Raoul:

It’s plexiglass.

George:

How much is it? For a bed? For a night?

I don’t have much. Or anything. I’m between places. I’m really hungry. Thanks for helping out. I know what you mean about my side of the plastic.

End of scene