As it happens they've both just been discharged from Odyssey House. A few days earlier, the pair betrayed the House's trust by using on a court visit and were given their marching orders. Now, the older of the pair clearly wants as little as possible to do with his fellow transgressor and quickly exits stage left. After the other clients have left the room, he drops his guard. He is schizophrenic, suicidal, on parole and, paradoxically, both contemplating going on the run and wishing he was back in jail - generally he seems so tortured it almost defies exaggeration.
Life is shit.
Having breakfasted on heroin, Ben arrives late and a little wired the following Tuesday for a group discussion on the requirements for admission to Odyssey House. It is the eve of his 23rd birthday. I've got a lot of opportunity, you know. I want to have a family and a good life. I know where I want to go.