Gary was seated at the bar, in his usual spot. It was a little bit early to be happy hour, as his sour expression reinforced. His third beer of the afternoon sat untouched, as he contemplated his surroundings.
This neighborhood bar had been both his refuge and prison for many years. The long wooden bar itself gleamed with the pride Louis, the owner and bartender, imbued with laborious polishing.
Small tables lined the wall opposite the bar, just large enough for two chairs each. Photos of both local sites and of somewhat famous patrons hung above those tables.
Gary sat at the farthest end of the bar, opposite the front windows. The windows were fully lit by the afternoon sun and looked out on the busy street. Both cars and people passed in an almost endless parade before his eyes.
Gary was unhappy with his life. He had a monotonous job. His wife had left him some years ago, claiming his drinking was excessive. Maybe she was right, but her nagging about it had not been a help.
Gary was bored. He sensed even Louis, the happy-go-lucky bartender, was tired of Gary’s complaining and down attitude.
The bell over the front door rang as it opened. To Gary surprise, and maybe even a bit of delight, in walked Billy, an old friend.
Louis got up from his stool and greeted Billy. “What will you have old pal?”
“Vodka Tonic with a twist, and a seltzer for my duck,” said Billy.
It was then that Gary realized he was not seeing things. There really was a duck on Billy’s shoulder.
“Hi Gary,” Billy said as he took a seat a couple of stools away from Gary. The duck, shook himself, his feathers rose up and fell, then he settled back down on Billy’s shoulder.
Gary thought the Duck was staring at him. Okay, he thought, ask the obvious question.
“Hey Billy, what’s with the duck?”
Billy turned to Gary and said “This is my emotional support Duck. He has changed my life.”
“Why a duck?” Gary asked after a pause.
“Why NOT?” Billy asked with a serene smile.
Gary was at a loss for words. He had to admit Billy looked pretty happy. Maybe, Gary thought, I should get a Duck.
Then Gary said out loud “But, why not a Chicken?” And he laughed.