Dialogue

Scene:  A dimly lit restaurant.  The waiter is walking away from the table. A man and woman sit silently, at a window seat watching the snow fall outside. Carolers stroll by. The chime of a bell rings consistently in the distance as the charity ringer stands outside the mall raising money. The candle flickers softly at the table. The man opens his mouth to speak then hesitates then he begins. . .

1: So is this it.

2: What?

1: This is how we are going to end things between us. You, leaving me for the next year to go help teach children English in some foreign country.

2: I didn’t know that this was the end

1: Well it sure feels like it

2: I’m sorry

1: Why do you have to go now? You could teach children here English.

2: It looks better on resumes, the jobs aren’t open here anyway so no matter what I would be leaving the town.

1: But, I don’t want you to go.

2: Well I don’t want to either, but I have to. . .

(The waiter brings them their food, they smile their thanks and as he leaves the conversation begins again)

2: I would love to stay here, but it’s the first job offer I have had in months, and I’m living on ramen as it is.

1: I just can’t believe that you’re leaving.

2: It’s only for a year and I’ll be home every 3 months to visit.

1: (silence)

2: I promise, I’ll write every week.

1: Okay.

(The dinner continues in silence, they leave and walk down the road pausing at the bell ringer just long enough to drop a few dollars in the bucket.)

1: Well then, I guess this is goodbye.

2: I guess so.

(The man gives her a kiss on the cheek and turns to leave, both leave in separate directions, never looking back. Silent tears roll down both their faces. They pause at the ends of the street. The man looks back. . .)

1: Until next year.

End Scene.