You just don't know how.
You mean I can learn?
Take a good mouthful.
Go on, a good one.
As if you were thirsty.
Open all the pipes.
Bask in the warmth.
How is it?
Better.
Can I ask you something?
Of course.
Could you lend me some slippers?
Do your feet hurt?
I've never tried them.
Well?
My life's all wrong.
And they're new too.
The perfect slipper
is almost in tatters,

like a second skin.
Try walking in them.
Not like that, for God's sake.
Drag your feet.
A connoisseur wears them
with the heel turned in.
They don't suit you but keep them.
As a gift.
I may ask you a favour
in return later.
This is my life's stage,
from my first feed to my last cigar.
Have you read all these?
Yes, almost.
I hated books at first
but everyone nagged me so much,
I started reading.
It was like a revelation!
Do you read a little?