Richard's alcoholism

Richard's alcoholism is marked by persistence and failed efforts to stop: he acknowledges that he continues to drink, even as he says he has cut back, and describes trying repeatedly to become sober. His dependence is also tied to the circumstances of his work and to his hope of rebuilding contact with his daughter, Tessa.

Ongoing Drinking and Attempts to Stop

When asked whether he is still drinking, Richard answers that he is. He adds that he drinks less than before, though he recognizes that his current appearance may suggest otherwise, and describes the past few months as difficult. His admission gives no sign that he has achieved sobriety; instead, it establishes continued drinking alongside an awareness of how it looks to others.

Later, speaking with Hardin, Richard says he has tried and tried to stop. He does not explain why those attempts failed, but the repetition conveys how persistent the struggle has been. His account presents alcoholism not as a single lapse but as a recurring condition that he has not managed to overcome.

Work and Access to Alcohol

Richard says that he cleans the place every other day and drinks there for free. The arrangement links his work directly to easy access to alcohol, while his shame as he explains it makes clear that he is conscious of the problem. Hardin responds by asking why Richard does not stay sober and get paid instead; Richard cannot offer a clear reason beyond saying that he has tried to stop.

His Daughter and the Hope of Change

Richard connects the prospect of sobriety to seeing Tessa more often. He hopes that being closer to his daughter will make it easier to stop drinking, presenting their relationship as a possible support for recovery rather than claiming that it has already changed his behavior. In the earlier conversation, he also says he is present now and hopes to make up for his absence, while admitting that he is still drinking. The contrast leaves his hope unresolved: he wants to repair the relationship, but sobriety remains an effort he has not yet sustained.