Writers' block writing challenge: The Drunk

The writing prompt:

Write a 500-word story about a character whose flaws make them a less-than-ideal protagonist, yet they go on to achieve some form of greatness despite being “written off” by everyone who knows them. This is a complex theme, and word count is minimal, so this is quite a challenge. I will be looking for someone who can bring this theme across effectively and efficiently.

The Drunk

“Are you drunk?”

The Cop’s question was more of a statement than a question, it felt downright accusatory to Albert; who didn’t want to dignify it with an answer. “I don’t drink.”

“At all?”

“Ever.”

“Seriously,” The Cop chuckled.

“I don’t want to take away from your thinking here.” Albert motioned across the alleyway, “But that man is dying.”

The Cop sighed; Albert could see that the others patience was limited and it was going to be an uphill battle convincing him that they were in the middle of an emergency situation.

The Cop, Officer Higgens based on his badge, walked a few feet toward the Indian laying on the
ground.
“Ok, so what happened to him?”

“I don’t know;” Albert moved beside Higgens; “One minute we’re standing here talking, he starts cramping up and puking; then he’s down there holding his gut and screaming like that.”

“What’s his name?”

“Jacob.”

“Jacob?” Higgens leaned one hand on the brick wall and bent over Jacob, who’s face is bright red from the pain. “You hear me?”

“Yes…” Jacob responded.

Albert can’t help but notice the Cop is rubbing the underside of his nose, trying to avoid the smell that Jacob is giving off.

“What did you eat this morning?”

“I don’t know…” Jacob winced, “Nothing yet.”

Higgens stood up straight, chewing on his lower lip as he considered it.

“You going to help him?” Albert’s voice was higher, “Call an ambulance or something?”

“Does he look like he can afford an ambulance bill?” Higgens smirked, “And he’s going to go in, they’re going to tell him it’s gas and he’s going to be on the hook for it.”

“Shouldn’t a Doctor decide that?”

“Give him half an hour to fart it out, if it’s still an issue I’ll be up the block.” Higgens looked back down at the doubled over guy, then headed for the sidewalk.

Albert was at a loss as the feeling of defeat washed over him, his friend was literally dying in front of him as he realized nobody was going to help. He’s seen this happen before.

No, he’s been through this before.

Higgens was right, his friend Jacob could be dying of a kidney infection or bowel obstruction and the hospital would probably just send them away with some Advil; this was Canada after all, where an
Indian could get run over by a truck and sent on their way.

What’s the point of trying when no one listens?

“Oh my god…” Jacob tightened up. Albert knew he needed to get him out of here.

“Hey asshole” Albert shouted after the Cop, “Yo shithead.”

Higgens turned back, the grin from earlier replaced by a furrowed eyebrow.

“We’re people too, you know.”

“You looking to get hauled in?”

“Yeah, me and my friend here; take us in. It’ll be good on the news when he dies in your drunk tank.”

Higgens considers it, then starts walking away again.

"My friend says he boinked your Mother.”

Higgens stopped.