JOE CALLBACK

JOE
Well I like it here. I have to drink a lot, it gives me
strength, you know? To slide down the knife-edge of life
into hell. Or something. The strength not to fight it.
So you don't feel the knife.
(pause)
Whew. I never used to think about things like that before,
when I was just your average Joe. Now I get ideas.
Now I'm a genius. Hmmm...

EKART
(an outburst)
I want to be on the road again, I want to wake up in the forest
at dawn! 

JOE
I could never understand why anyone would want to leave
the city. Hey Baal, buy me another drink. I like it here.
I really do.

BAAL
Another drink for good ol' --

JOE
No names! We know each other better than that. God, I have
such terrible dreams. But not all the time. Yes, I like it
here.

(They drink.)