Listen! 

Doctor Well had tried everything: 

 Talking. 

Singing.- 

Everything but meds - 

To stop Crooked Smile from 

 Leaving town 

 Like everybody did.

Now, he grabbed the barkeeper's arm, 

Squeezing it firmly, 

Yet lightly enough 

Not to hurt his patient. 

"Listen! Town is already missing most of its citizens! 

 We can't afford to just sit 

And watch even more people disappearing beyond borders! 

Nothing that can't wait 'till their return." 

Crooked Smile snapped, "No horse's friend, are you?! This not 'bout '

an animal'! It's family!" 

Long pause. "Yes, I do know..." the doc mumbled. 

 And when he looked up from his knees, 

His eyes met an empty bed. 

A shuffle from behind indicated 

That Crooked Smile was still there. 

The doc rose to his feet, Sat down again, 

Folded his hands 

And stared at the wall.