Summary: A long time ago, there was a choice that had to be made, financial security but an end to a relationship; Or a happy relationship but financial insecurity. The first option was chosen, and though it hurt at first, time has a funny way of numbing the pain. Time also has a funny way of bringing that pain back up.
– Roles:
Major:
- The CEO |C|: The speaker, a CEO who chose to have a financially secure life alone, rather than to go with their loved one and live happily together, if always in need of money.
Minor:
- The Assistant |S|: The CEO’s loyal assistant who has stuck with them through thick and thin.
Scene: Inside of corporate office building, CEO office
[The office floor is somewhat noisy with the faint shuffling of people talking as they head home for the day, there is a knock on the door followed by it being opened.]
|S|: Hey boss, everyone is heading home for the night, you sure I’m not bothering you with taking me to the airport?
[There’s the sound of a pen scribbling on paper, before it’s placed calmly on the desk.]
|C|: (In a tired but otherwise friendly tone) It’s fine, you know I like helping out wherever I can and if that means taking you to the airport, then I’m more than happy to help.
|S|: (excitedly happy) Okay, thank you so much.
|C|: (There’s some soft laughter) No problem
|S|: Alright then, should we head out?
|C|: Yeah absolutely, let’s get out of here.
|S|: Alright!
[The CEO gathers their coat, and their keys, of which, makes some jangling sounds. The scene then fades as the door softly creaks closed.]
Scene: Airport, just outside of the terminal
[The sound of a busy terminal fills the air, flight arrivals and departure announcements, along with the honking of vehicles and the sound of shoes and boots tapping along the concrete with their rolled luggage following behind them. The occasional plane taking off or landing can also be heard.]
|S|: (Excitedly) Thanks again! I really appreciate this!
|C|: Please, no thanks are necessary, it was my pleasure, honestly.
|S|: Alright, if you say so, I hope that I didn’t pull you from anything important though.
|C|: No, it’s all perfectly fine, you know I’m a workaholic this time of year anyways.
|S|: (With a friendly tone) Alrighty then, I’ll see ya after the holidays. Good luck with everything.
[The sound of a suitcase being rolled away can be heard until it eventually fades into the background along with the rest of the noise of the terminal.]
|C|: (With a bit of sadness) It’s not like I’ve got someone waiting for me at home, I haven’t had someone for a long time now. (Internal monologue is spoken with regret) How long has it been now? Almost ten years to the day when I last stood here, watching your plane leave. Why didn’t I go? (releasing a tuft of air) Because I’m a moron, that’s why, and now I get to ask myself that question every single day of my life.
[The busy terminal takes over as the CEO stands there, contemplating their choices as the scene begins to fade.]
|C|: (Curious) Hmm? Wait, that person next to me…they look just like…no it couldn’t be. Could it?
[The fade is interrupted and suddenly the terminal sounds return to its full and busy sound, though that eventually becomes background noise.]
|C|: (Calmly) Excuse me, uhm hi (Pause for 2 beats, then with excitement) Hey! It’s been a long time! (Internal Monologue Starts) No way! It’s them! It can’t be! But it is! (Monologue ends, spoken in a friendly tone) What are you doing back!? (Pause for 3 beats, with some confusion)You’re finding yourself? Well, alright then; Uhm, regardless, it’s great to see you back. Uhm, are you waiting for someone? (Pause for 2 beats) A taxi? Well uhm, if that’s the case, then I’d be happy to take you wherever you need to go, for old times sake. (Nervously) If you want, that is.
[The sound of an airport terminal fills the air, though it is soft]
|C|: (Internal monologue is filled with anxiety) I hope they say yes, goodness, they still look so amazing even after all this time. (Monologue ends, then spoken with excitement) Yeah!? Awesome! Uhm, here, let me help you with your luggage then. So where are ya’ heading to? (Pause for 2 beats) Any hotel? If you need a place to stay, my home is always open. At least it’s free, right? And hey, a little hospitality goes a long way, right? (There’s some soft laughter at the end.)
[The busy terminal is all that is left, until it too fades into silence]
Scene: Apartment tower, penthouse
[The sound of a door unlocking is heard, along with the sound of that same door opening]
|C|: And this is my humble home, it’s nothing too fancy, but it’s home. (Pause for 3 beats, then chuckle) Well yeah I guess you do have a point there, a penthouse is a humble home if you’re used to them.
[The sound of luggage being rolled across the floor takes over]
|C|: Let me take these to one of the spare rooms, and if you’re feeling like it, we can have a quick welcome back dinner. Yeah? (Pause for 2 beats) Awesome!
[The sound of shoes clacking against the floor is heard followed a bit after by a door opening and then closing]
|C|: Alright, so this is your room, mine is two doors down on your right. If you need anything at night, don’t be afraid to knock on my door. (Pause for 2 beats) Oh! Here let me take your coat for you, it gets warm enough in here that you don’t usually need it. You can go ahead and take off your gloves too if you’d like. (Pause for 2 beats, internal monologue starts) Is that a wedding ring?! (monologue continues but with a sadness in it) When did they get married? Why does this hurt a lot more than it should?
|C|: (monologue ends) Hm? Oh yeah, I’m perfectly fine, I just zoned out for a second, sorry. Anyways, the welcome back dinner right? Okay, feel free to watch some tv, use the shower, or whatever while I whip us up some fantastic food.
[The sound of a busy kitchen soon fills the air, along with the words of a news broadcast, though it all slowly fades away.]
|C|: And now, I’m proud to present our dinner for tonight, made special by tonight’s chef yours truly. And to compliment tonight’s meal I brought out a nice bottle of wine for us to enjoy. (Internal monologue starts) Man even after all this time, they still look fantastic; I’m just now realizing that I missed this, like a lot. That I missed them; That I missed us, so much. And now I can’t even try and make up with them cause someone else already has their heart. This has to be my punishment, there’s no other explanation. (Monologue ends)
[Noise returns to the scene in the form of silverware, as it cuts and pangs against the ceramic plates.]
|C|: (Cheerful) You know, there’s a lot of things that have changed since you left, wanna know what they are? (Pause for 2 beats) Well to begin with, you know that little coffee shop we used to go to? They recently opened up a few new places around the city. Then there’s Alejandra, (pause for 3 beats) yeah the hairdresser, well former hairdresser, she finally got her physics degree. (Pause for 2 beats) Yep, she’s a physicist now, and she’s making huge waves from what I hear. And well, as you can see, I’m doing really well myself; In most ways that is, I finally got that CEO position I was looking forward to. Paycheck is absurdly well for the headache it gives me, sometimes. Well, that’s pretty much everything that’s happened at the personal level, obviously there’s more around the city; And oh, what amazing changes they are. What about you though? I would assume that a lot has changed for you too? (Internal monologue starts, with a bit of sadness) God, they’re probably going to start to talk about their new partner, and the life that they’re living with them, how happy they are to be with them. So on and so forth (pause for 3 beats)
[A chair slides against the hardwood]
|C|: (Monologue ends, speaking startled) Oh!? Uhm, where are you going? You’ve barely eaten. (Pause for 3 beats) You’re…tired? Yeah no problem, jetlag is a killer, right? (there is a soft awkward laugh)
[The sound of a door closing relatively hard takes over for a bit before there’s a slower screeching of a chair being pushed backwards]
|C|: (Letting out a bored exhale) Even when you’re here, I’m all alone. (Pause for 2 beats, then regretfully) At least I have wine to dull the pain, right?
[The steps of the CEO walking to their room makes the last sounds of the scene as they slowly fade into silence. A bit later a phone alarm rings, followed by the hungover moans of the CEO. As the CEO goes to turn off the phone alarm, the bottle of wine falls off the nightstand, it thuds, bounces, and finally rolls across the floor]
|C|: Ugh, my head is killing me. Why do alarms have to be so loud?
[As silence takes over the room, the hunger rumble of an empty stomach echoes out]
|C|: Well, I guess breakfast could do me some good right about now.
[A door opens and closes, followed by the muffled sound of a shower roaring to life a few seconds later; The scene starts to fade into silence. Sound is returned with the sizzling of food, and with the clanging of utensils being used to cook.]
|C|: (Internal Monologue starts) Ugh, why are cooking utensils so loud? I’ve got to remind myself to invest in soundless cooking utensils. (Pause for 2 beats, then with slight confusion) Wait, didn’t I just describe silicone utensils? Ugh, I can’t even think straight right now, (some slight sniffing of the air) but man the food smells delicious; (With excitement) and it’s almost ready! (Internal Monologue ends)
[A far away door opens and the sound of cooking is also joined by slippers occasionally dragging along the ground, ever so faintly]
|C|: (Hiding their hangover, excitedly) Hey! Good morning, I hope you’re in the mood for something nice and moderately filling. Anything to drink while you wait? Juice? Coffee? Tea? (pause for 2 beats) Yeah sure! Let me go ahead and get that for you.
[A cup being placed on the wooden table sounds out, along with the faint pour of a drink that joins the symphony of cooking]
|C|: Alright, there you go, and don’t worry, breakfast will be on the table in a quick second.
[The cooking stops, and is instead replaced with the sound of two plates being laid out]
|C|: You know, now that I’m thinking about it, this will definitely be a story to tell; I mean, how many people do you know that can claim they stayed in a penthouse apartment, with wonderful company, and restaurant quality food! (Pause for 3 beats, soft laughs from the CEO) Well no, I didn’t get a culinary degree, but I think my food is restaurant quality. (Pause for 3 beats, some more soft laughs) Alright, alright, that’s enough you comedian, we best eat before the food gets cold.
[Once again, silverware being used fills the air]
|C|: (Internal monologue begins, hungover) Ugh, why is the world so loud? Drinking the rest of that wine was a really bad idea. Maybe I should just crawl back into bed and sleep this whole day away? (Dreamily) mmmm, that’s an offer that is more tempting than it should be. (internal monologue ends, then pretend normal speech starts up again) Hmm? (Pause for 3 beats) Oh, no, nothing’s wrong, I was just uhm, thinking is all, why? (Pause for 2 beats) Oh, yeah, I can see how making an expression like that would make you ask me the question that you asked. Anyways, did you want to go and check out all the old spots we used to hang out at? Or did you have a personal outing planned? (Pause for 3 beats, then with tempered excitement) Yeah, absolutely, I’d be happy to show you around. We can get changed after breakfast, and then go out and see the sights, yeah? (Pause for 2 bears) Awesome!
[As the two finish talking, they pick up their silverware and begin eating again, the cutting and tapping against the ceramic plates slowly fades into silence]
Scene: Melaine Park
[The sound of people talking and walking along the concrete can be heard; It slowly fades into background noise]
|C|: Remember how magical Melaine Park is during the winter? (Pause for 3 beats, then excitedly) Yeah exactly! The snow, the activities, and of course you can’t forget the most beautiful sight of it all, the Melaine Park Tree; (There’s a bit of a laugh) I mean, it’s not much to look at right now during the day, but if we returned during the night, oh man it’s going to be breathtaking with all the lights turned on and all the snow on it. (Some more laughter happens) Sorry, I got carried away, sometimes my brain forgets that you remember these things. (Pause for 3 beats, happily) I’m adorable when I get like this? Wh-what do you mean, like this? (Pause for 2 beats) When I get rambly whenever I go down memory lane? (slight giggle) You sure haven’t lost your ability to make me blush.
[The sound of crowd chatter takes over as the two stand there in peace, if even for a bit]
|C|: Oh! An empty bench! Common, let’s take a seat and just take in the scenery, yeah? For old time’s sake? (Pause for 3 beats, thoughtfully) You know, I come here almost every other week now, just to watch people; It’s…interesting seeing so many people come and go, seeing how they live their lives. (Excitedly) oh, speak of the devil! You see those two over there? (Pause for 2 beats) Yeah, the old married couple, I had a chance to talk to them, turns out they’re 60 years married and going strong. Oh! And those two with their own children, they’re such attentive parents. (Sadly, internal monologue starts) I don’t know how to feel about this. On the one hand, having them here with me makes me feel hopeful for the future. However I now have to contend with the fact that someone else has their heart. I also can’t tell them about my feelings because that’ll just be bad for everyone. Maybe I should just end our contact after they’re done with what they’re going to do here, that would be the best for everyone (surprised, internal monologue ends) huh!? Oh, no, I was just watching, uhm, that guy over there. (Pause for 3 beats) yeah the one who looks unhappy, what do you think his story is? (Pause for 3 beats, increasingly disconnected from the situation) Mmm, that sounds plausible, mine is that they’ve never been happy around this time of the year, at least not anymore, and that’s what’s dragging them deep into the pit they find themselves in, until eventually they realize that what they lost can never be returned to them, no matter how long they suffer. (Pause for 3 beats, snapped back to reality, then nervously) Wha-oh yeah, I guess I did make it sound like I was projecting…bu-but I wasn’t, I swear! (Pause for 2 beats, thoughtfully again) Yeah, alright, I always was a poor liar whenever I’m around you. Either way, when it comes to guessing that person’s reasons for being unhappy, one of us is right, or neither of us are.
[The sound of people laughing and playing is heard, there’s even the laughter of children that intermixes with it.]
|C|: (Internal Monologue starts) On some level, this feels strangely nice. The banter, their presence next to me. Guess I lost more than just love when the two of us went our own separate ways. Still, it’s nice to feel something after so long. To be honest, this is definitely a feeling I could get addicted to if I’m not careful. Huh, look at that, they’re smiling at the tree? Gosh, that smile is so genuine, so fantastic. I just can’t get over it, over them, over how much of an idiot I was to choose my job over the love of my life. Now I’m condemned to just smile and suppress these emotions I have for them, now and forever. (Exasperated sigh) Well, at least if they’re happy, then I guess, I can be happy for them. (Internal Monologue ends, then back to normal) You know what, why don’t we visit Tea & Café, it’s cold enough that I think we’ve more than earned a trip to the business that kept us awake and lucid for most of our lives. (Pause for 2 beats, then slight laugh) Okay, after you!
[Once again, the sound of people talking and walking along the concrete can be heard; It slowly fades into background, leaving only two sets of steps, that eventually are replaced by the noise of car doors opening and closing, then, by an engine being turned on]
Scene: Inside Café
[The dinging of a bell is heard, and the sound of people talking, and laughing join the noise making]
|C|: (Nervous) Oh, uhm, I hope you don’t mind, but I went ahead and ordered us drinks online, so that we didn’t have to wait in line. (Pause for 2 beats, then giggle a little) Yeah! Tea & Café finally updated their system to let you order online! It comes in really convenient, especially when you’re waiting at a red light and need someone to get your drink ready, asap. (Playfully confused) Why are you making that face? (Pause for 3 beats) The what now face, you know, the face you used to give me when I did something that would be considered dangerous. (Pause for 3 beats, playfully repentant) I’m so sorry, I promise not to do that again. (Pause for 3 beats, then laugh) ha, glad to see that me apologizing can still make you forgive me.
[Steps are heard, along with the busy sounds of baristas moving about and messing with equipment]
|C|: (the CEO sips a bit of their drink, then speaks contentedly) Oh what a perfect drink, always made just how I like it! (Nervous) Uh please don’t be upset, but uhm, I ordered you the drink that you used to get. I’m not sure if your tastes have changed, but you kinda fell asleep on the way here and I didn’t want to wake you up. So…I hope it’s to your liking.
[There’s the sound of steps moving along, until they halt and are replaced with the sound of two chairs being pulled out]
|C|: (Internal monologue starts) Crap, they’re probably going to think I’m some kind of a creep. It’s been ten years, how in the hell do I still remember their usual order? Nice job me, now they’re probably going to want to pack up and leave asap. Can you be anymore obvious that you’re still in love with them? (Internal monologue ends) Hmm? (happily) Oh you’re happy with it? (Pause for 3 beats) Heh, I-I don’t really know how I remembered your order, it just kinda came to me…Oh!? (Playfully) Is that a smile I see? Nonono, don’t try and hide it, that is totally a smile that you’re hiding behind your cup!
[The busy cafe is soon the only thing that can be heard, as it slowly fades back into background noise]
|C|: (Fondly) Remember that one time when we were out in the woods? (Pause for 2 beats) Yeah! The time we went camping with Miranda and the others! We got lost and somehow ended up finding that little out of the way lake? (Pause for 2 beats, playfully) Hey, no need to hit me, we’re just reminiscing, aren’t we? (Happily) Remember how disappointed we were initially? And then, as we set up camp, things got a lot better, and a lot more fun. (fondness continues) That weekend was so fantastic, even if it didn’t start out that way; It was beautiful, one of my fondest memories if I’m being honest.
[There’s a bit of silence, between the two, the hustle and bustle of the cafe, no longer being a background noise, until it slowly recedes into the background as the CEO’s thoughts begin to make themselves heard.]
|C|: (Internal monologue starts) This is nice, I like this a lot; If this is how things have to be now, then, I think I can deal with the new normal. (Regretfully) Even if I do have to love them from a distance. Honestly it’s a fitting punishment, a cruel one, but a deserved one. (Internal monologue ends, voice is normal) Huh? I’m doing what again? (pause for 3 beats) I do that a lot, space out, I mean, that is, head’s always thinking…(Pause for 3 beats, then tease and laugh lightly) when did I start thinking? You did not just go there! Talk about a low blow. (Playfully) When did you get so heartless? (Pause for 3 beats) Anyways, I’m not used to having people around so it’s going to take some time for me to actually try and control my constant thinking.
[The voices of the cafe take over the scene as it slowly starts to fade into silence]
Scene: Apartment tower, penthouse
[Door opens and closes]
|C|: (Slightly shivering) Man, it’s really starting to get cold out there. (Blowing hot air into their hands) Hm? Oh my gloves? Yeah, I kept them after all this time, they’re well made and warm in most cold temperatures. (Pause for 3 beats) What? Why would I toss them out? They’re a precious gift with fond memories, I could never throw these out for any reason. (Internal monologue starts) Oh gosh, are they smiling? Oh look at that smile, it could warm anyone’s heart. I’m so happy that I can see that wonderful smile again (Internal monologue ends, then with a slight whisper) such a beautiful smile. (Pause for 2 beats, then with surprise) W-what? Well uhm, I mean (Pause for 3 beats, then with a whispered confusion) I have a cute smile too? Oh-Oh! Uhm, I don’t know what to say honestly (Pause for 3 beats) Thank you? Oh! Y-yeah! Thank you. (Flustered) Let me make us something warm to recover from the cold, yeah? As usual, feel free to make yourself at home.
[The sound of a tv being turned on fills the air, there’s a movie playing, all the while there’s some clanging of pots coming from the kitchen, the scene fades for a second before it returns with the weather report]
|C|: Come and get it, if the heat from this wonderful stew hasn’t warmed you up yet, getting a belly full of this, definitely will.
[Bowls are plopped down onto the table]
|C|: This is one of my specialties, so I hope that you like it.
[Silverware sometimes makes a clunking sound as it hits against the bowls every now and again, as the two begin to dig in]
|C|: (Internal Monologue starts, excitedly) There’s more eye contact between the two of us now than when they first got here, I kinda like it. (The CEO slows themselves down) woah woah, hold up now; You do know where this line of thought goes, right? You’ll pull a move, they won’t take it well because they’re taken, and well, things never end well from there. I hope that this new person in their lives makes them happy in ways I couldn’t…in ways that I should have. (Internal Monologue ends, abruptly being dragged back into the present) I’m sorry, did you say something? (Pause for 3 beats) What was I thinking about? (Pause for 3 beats, nervously) oh, uhm well (clearing throat) I didn’t want to touch on it, because well uhm, your personal business is yours so I don’t want to seem like I’m prying too much or anything like that. (Nervously) However, I was wondering, when we first met up again, you said that you were finding yourself. So that kind of left me wondering, you know?
[The clanking of silverware against ceramic returns as the CEO listens to their guest tell their story with some bits omitted]
|C|: (Astounded) Wow, that’s a story there, I uhm, I don’t know what to say except that I can see why you would come back to try and find yourself. But uhm, that still leaves one question unanswered. (Pause for 3 beats) Uhm, well, I noticed your wedding ring and was wondering if your partner was going to show up any time soon, or if this is a lone self discovery situation.
[There’s dead quietness in the penthouse, except for the television that seems to be broadcasting the winning lottery numbers]
|C|: (Regretful) Uhm, you don’t have to answer that question, I was just, as usual, putting my foot in my mouth. (Getting sad) Uhm, I’m sorry, I just, I’m so sorry
[A chair slides against the hardwood as the CEO walks away from the table and shuts themselves up in their room]
|C|: (Internal monologue starts, angry) Idiot! Idiot! Idiot! Of course they would be offended by what you just said. Ugh! Why would you even go there! This is their trip of self discovery! You have no right to question them about their marriage partner. Stupid, stupid, stupid (exasperated) And you even managed to hold onto the wine on your way out huh. (scoff) how much more pathetic can you get? (Internal monologue ends, tired) Well, no point in letting good wine go to waste, right? Bottoms up!
[The sound of the CEO’s gullet gulping down the wine fills the soundwaves as they groan and stand up]
|C|: (letting out a sigh of frustration) Well with the night thoroughly ruined, I might as well enjoy myself on the balcony…(muttering to theirself) Now where did I put my cigarettes? That’s the perfect compliment to this wine.
[Drawers are open and closed several times until the cigarettes are finally found and the drawer is closed; This is followed by a glass door sliding open; In short order, the sound of a metal lighter flipping open, a fire being sparked into existence, and then said fire being snuffed out by the lid being shut closed are all heard one after another; All of this just before the glass door itself is slid closed. Some seconds later there’s some soft knocking on the door, it stops for a few seconds before being resumed. The knocking slowly fades into silence. After several more seconds, the phone alarm rings once again]
|C|: (Hungover, groaning) Ugh, not this again, god, I should’ve turned off my phone, it just adds to my splitting headache.
[The phone alarm stops ringing]
|C|: (Internal monologue starts, still hungover) Hey, at the very least I didn’t knock over the wine bottle this time, so that’s a plus…I guess. But it’s a very small plus. Ugh, I’m not looking forward to breakfast today, but, no point in delaying what must be done. So, off we go…again. (Internal monologue ends)
[A door opens and closes, followed by the muffled sound of a shower roaring to life a few seconds later; The scene fades into silence. Then it is replaced by the sound of bubbling food.]
|C|: (Cheerfully nervous) Hey! Good morning, how are you this fine morning? I hope you slept well, if you’ll sit down, I’ll serve breakfast up real soon. Well to be honest, it’s a light one, just something to keep you warm and moving. (Pause for 3 beats, nervous) Weird? I’m not acting weird, what are you talking about? I’m doing so well right now. (Pause for 3 beats) Bottle of wine? I didn’t take a bottle of wine with me, what are you talking about? (Pause for 3 beats) Whaaa- I’m not trying to gaslight you. You know what, I just remembered that I have to go do something right now. So help yourself to whatever you can find. I’m going to go do what I need to do.
[There is scurrying about as the CEO quickly gets dressed and heads for the front door, quickly closing it behind them. The scene fades to black as a second pair of steps make their way to the door. It all fades to silence as the door opens]
Scene: Hills, outskirt of the city
[The sound of a vehicle pulling up is heard, the engine is then turned off, and a car door opens and closes. This is followed up by the sound of feet crunching through the snow, this goes on for a few steps, then stops. The sound of a metal lighter being flicked open and then turning on can be heard, following that, it is flicked closed]
|C|: (Taking a drag, regretful) God, I can’t believe I just ran from that, from them; I never used to do that when we were together. What happened to me? It’s like, whenever I’m with them I want to make them smile, while at the same time not hurting them. Everything is just so weird now, I can’t even think straight anymore. Ever since they got back I’ve got all these conflicted feelings and I don’t know how to deal with them. Not when I know that they’re married now. (Taking another drag) Maybe I should just let them go, just finally put these ghosts to bed and move on.
[A car passes by, the engine roaring its way down the road]
|C|: (Another drag) What a fitting place to put an end to my feelings, I guess now it’ll be twice as significant. (Another drag) Well, I best be heading back, they’re probably off doing who knows what by now. (Regretful sigh) I wish I had taken their hand and gone along with them all those years ago. How would our lives have turned out I wonder.
[The cigarette butt is thrown to the snow where it makes a distinctive hiss sound as it is put out by the snow; After this, the sound of a vehicle pulling up is heard, the engine is left running, as a car door opens and closes. The vehicle then drives off. As it does so, it eventually lets the sound of crunching snow take over; This happens for a few more steps than with the CEO, then they stop.]
|C|: (Looking surprised) Oh uhm hey, what are you doing here? (Pause for 3 beats) Just sightseeing huh? (chuckle) What a strange place to come to in order to do that. (Pause for 3 beats) Yeah, I suppose it’s no stranger than coming here to get away from everything. (Slight laugh) Remember this place? (Pause for 3 beats, thoughtfully) Yep, your car had just broken down…over there, while I was, if I remember correctly, I was on this very spot, resting on the hood of my old car, kind of like right now; And just like I am now, I was staring at the city. (Pause for 3 beats) Did I notice you? (Slight laugh) What kind of question is that? Of course I did, to be honest though, back then, I kinda didn’t know what to say to you. Like I didn’t want to give off any creeper vibes, you know.
[A car passes by the pair]
|C|: (Nostalgic) Hm? Oh yeah, how could I forget it, we ended up spending, like what? An hour or so, trying to work up the nerves to talk to each other. It’s a bit funny. I’m a bit curious, what happened to your car, you know, after you moved away? (Pause for 3 beats) Sold it huh? It was such a reliable vehicle, I hope that whoever has it now is enjoying it.
[The crunching of feet on deep snow is heard again]
|C|: (Introspective) Look at that view, the city is especially beautiful during winter, don’t you think? Like a jewel trapped in snow, reflecting back an eternal light. Such a wonderful sight. (Internal monologue starts) Man, it really is beautiful out here, though there is one person who completely outdoes this sight, easily. And…they’re married to someone else, making me an idiot, the only person I ever loved is now married. (Internal monologue ends)
[The sound of the CEO going through their zipped up pockets, then pulling out and opening a packet of cigarettes and a lighter. The sound of the lighter opening and sparking until it makes a fire takes over]
|C|: Hmm? (Pause for 3 beats) Oh? I don’t know when I started smoking if I’m entirely honest. I guess I just picked it up. (Internal Monologue starts) Who am I kidding, I know when I picked it up, a few days after you flew off to who knows where, that’s when I picked it up. Why can’t I get over you? I’ve had ten full years, and now look at me, wallowing in my own self pity. What kind of person does that? (Internal Monologue ends) Yeah, I guess it is a nasty habit.
[The CEO drops the cigarette to the ground and flicks the lighter shut, making a slight clink sound]
|C|: (Thoughtfully) Oh look! Right over there, those skyscrapers are a new addition to the skyline. Apparently there was a huge push by the city to try and get both homegrown and non-regional businesses to set up shop within it, so they offered both subsidies and aid for any businesses to buy and develop the unused land they designated. Oh, you see that one right there? The biggest of that little cluster? (Pause for 2 beats) Yeah that one! That’s the one that belongs to the company. It has certainly come a long way from the meager little office space we had, huh?
[Another car passes by the two]
|C|: (Thoughtfulness continues) Oh, see that Ferris wheel? (Pause for 2 beats) Yeah, the Moray Pier finally finished repairing and modernizing their attractions, so now there’s so much more to do; Remember how much you wanted to ride the wheel but couldn’t because it was closed down? (Internal monologue starts) Hey, maybe you should stop talking about you two like that, did it happen? Yes absolutely, but they’re married now! It seems a little disrespectful to just…(Internal monologue ends)
[There’s some slight crunching as the listener moves to face the CEO]
|C|: (Pause for 3 beats) Why did I run? I don’t know, just that, I don’t want to make things awkward between the two of us, you know? (Pause for 3 beats) Awkward in that I don’t know my own feelings anymore. When I first saw you, I was so ecstatic, but now, I just don’t know. (Pause for 3 beats) I don’t know because things are different now, you’ve changed and so have I. (Pause for 3 beats) You’ve changed in that someone else has your heart now, you’re probably married to the greatest person in existence and have a lovely marriage, with a lovely family; You have everything that I always wanted for us, and now I feel like I missed out on everything, all because I choose to stay here, instead of going with you! That’s how everything has changed. I’m sorry, I don’t want to drop this bomb on you…but I love you, I still love you, and I haven’t stopped loving you since the day we went our separate ways. That’s why I came out here, to get some clarity, to try and kill my feelings for you. It isn’t fair to you or your marriage partner for me to have these feelings. So I’m going to do my best to throw away these thoughts and emotions, for you.
[There’s a long pause before the sound of kissing takes over]
|C|: Woah, wait, what are you doing? I don’t know, what…(Pause for 3 beats)You love me? Still love me? B-but what about your marriage? (Pause for 3 beats) You’ve been divorced for a while now? Wait, you mean, all this time I’ve been torturing myself over someone who isn’t even in the picture! (Relieved) I-I feel like such a moron right now. Wow. (Pause for 3 beats) Yeah, of course I’ve been torturing myself over this, for the longest I thought that the person I loved was married to someone else and that I had made a big mistake. So that’s why you came out here, to find yourself after your divorce. Wow I…
[Before the CEO can talk again, the kissing starts again]
|C|: This, this is nice, but you may have to stop kissing me, otherwise you’re going to spoil me.
[The CEO receives yet another kiss]
|C|: (Happy) You don’t mind? That makes my heart feel all kinds of warm feelings if I’m being honest. (Happiness continues) So, how do we proceed from here? (Pause for 3 beats) Well, we are in the spot that would let us start over from the beginning. In that case, let’s see if you remember this little line. (The noise of throat clearing) You know, I don’t entirely remember the last time I came out here to just, city watch, you know. (Pause for 2 beats, slowly getting excited) Yeah, the city really is beautiful this time of the year, isn’t it? You know, it’s getting really cold, and well, looks like your ride is indisposed at the moment, so if you would like, I can take you to this really nice coffee spot, it has excellent customer service and it is, in my opinion, the home to the most wonderful hot chocolate I have ever tasted.
[Another kiss before the CEO laughs a bit. Feet crunch through the deep snow as they make their way to the sides of the car, from which, two doors open while the engine is started. Before they close, something is tossed over the edge of the cliff, it makes a flinging sound as it goes through the air, akin to a coin being tossed with a lot of force. As the noise fades into silence, the doors open and the vehicle drives away until silence remains]
Divine Writings 
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