FRANK
You have so many of the qualities
we need more of these days.
Steve doesn’t know what to say.
FRANK
I just wish you weren’t doing this.
This hits Steve like a brick. He looks at Frank, perhaps to
say something... but is completely disarmed.
FRANK
You know, I used to work up at
some stables just north of here.
They used to have a poker game
every Friday night, the farm hands
and the stable boys. One of the
favorite stories in town was the
night I took 50 dollars from the
owner, Russ Clayborn. I had raised
him 20 dollars. And scared him
into folding a full house. That
was 2 weeks pay!
104
(MORE)I was 18 years old and I ran all
the way home holding three months
of our mortgage. I was so damn
proud. (Frank chuckles. Steve
smiles.) I ran into the house,
threw the money on the kitchen
table and told my mom I bet
everything on a pair of 3’s and
won.
Beat.

Beat.
FRANK
She took one look at the money...
and kicked me out of the house.
Had to stay at my aunt’s for a
week... When I asked her why she
just said “You could have lost”.
Beat. Steve looks over at Frank, but says nothing.
FRANK
In those days it was harder to find
a man that was willing to bet it
all.
Beat.
FRANK
We have nothing left to sell and we
can't afford to buy anything. You
came here to help us. Offer us
money... All we had to do to get it
was be willing to scorch the earth
under our feet.
Beat. Neither man says anything.
FRANK
Don’t get me wrong, Steve, I’m not
better than my neighbors -- hell, I
need the money too.
Beat.
FRANK
(Chuckles)
I guess I’m just lucky... lucky to
be old enough to have a shot at
dying with my dignity.
Beat. Frank heads inside. Turns at the door.
105-106
FRANK (CONT'D)FRANK
Let me know when you’re ready to
head back.
We hold on Steve’s face. Frank walks to the door. He
suddenly stops... and without turning back:
FRANK
I’m so worried for us, Steve...