Windows on the Square

Setting:

A man and women are sitting at a kitchen table. Both are cupping a coffee cup but neither are speaking; Across from the table is a couch with a pair of ballet slipper slung over the side. They are both starring down at the same spot on the table. On the table top is a white envelop.

Alice: I think that you should open it.

Owen: But it isn’t addressed to me, it is addressed to you.

A: I know but I don’t think that I can stop shaking long enough to open it without tearing what is inside.

O: So then we can just sit here a bit longer until you think you are ready to open it.

A: We have been waiting for this letter for weeks…the contents of this letter could really change our lives. You should just open it.

O: But you’ve done all of the work. It really should be you who opens it.

A: I know, I know. It’s just that I’ve waited so long to get here and now that the moment is here I don’t know if I want to know anymore. Maybe the not knowing isn’t that bad.

O: Alice you have to open it! If not for you then for me. I mean of course it changes your life but it also changes my life.

A: You don’t think that I know that. You don’t think that I haven’t laid awake at night thinking about all of this. How am I supposed to choose? But really is there even a choice to make?

O: There isn’t really a right answer here. All I’m saying is that this affects you just as much as it affects me.

A: I know that it does. We have talked about all of this before. I just don’t know.

O: Well then you should open the envelop so that we know what we are dealing with. I’m tired of living in the land of hypotheticals.

A: You don’t have to get mean about it.

O: I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be mean I just want to know what the letter says inside of the envelop.

A: Okay. I’m going to open it now. (Opens the envelop, skims the writing. Closes the letter and puts it back into the envelop. Slides it over to Owen.)

O: Well, what did it say?

A: It said what I wanted it to say.

O: (Owen looks down into his coffee cup.) Well that is great news. I guess you are going to London then.

A: I can’t believe I got it. I mean so many ballerinas tried out for so few spots and I can’t believe that I actually made it. I have worked my entire life for this one moment.

O: Well Al, I’m really happy for you. You deserve it.

(Alice notices that Owens face does not match with the words coming out of his mouth. They both look at each other for half a second and the smile slips from Alice’s face and they both return to starring into the depths of their coffee cups.)