Leave the banana outside.
Yes, even the small one.
He has heard your offer.
His answer is still no.

Every afternoon, he takes the same seat. Straightens his glasses. Surveys the room.
Visitors bring stories, questions, and occasionally the wrong fruit. Only the first two are welcome.
Nobody knows who made the rule.
Nobody has asked twice.
Some things are negotiable.
This list is not.
Yes, even the small one.
It was his before you got here.
Quietly, if you don't mind.
Go on. See what happens.
The door is open. The rule is unchanged.
Find the others. Make yourself comfortable.
No.A complete sentence. A way of life.