Writers Jam

Scene setting: A small coffee shop, late evening. Rain taps against the windows. Dim yellow light. Two chairs at a small wooden table.

Ari is on the left, and Neel is on the right, but each is illuminated in their own light. They see each other, but let's imagine we hear their inner monologues simultaneously bleeding over each other.

–

Ari: It didn’t happen all at once.

Neil: I thought we were okay.

–

Ari: It collapsed slowly like a fading sunset.

Neil: We had our ritual quiet dinners and lazy Sundays. I thought that meant something.

–

Ari: I think I knew the day you stopped turning back to say goodbye when you left for work.

Neil: I didn’t see the space growing. Maybe I didn’t want to.

–

Ari: You’ve been… distant… Why? Did I do something?

Neil: You know I’ve been busy with the workload I have got. But I’m here now. Right in front of you.

–

Ari: You’re talking, but it’s just… noise in my head.

Neil: I’m talking, but you’re already somewhere else.

–

Ari: You were once my warm place. It’s no longer a refuge, just a reminder of what’s gone.

Neil: If I’d known that kiss was the end, I’d have held on a little longer.

–

Ari (aloud): I can’t do this anymore (yet deep within, a fragile hope stirs).

Slowly whispers: don't let me go… (a whisper only she can hear)

Neil(aloud, desperate): I can change. We can fix this.

–

Ari: Even in leaving, I want to take care of you.

Slowly whispers: fight for me, idiot…

Neil: I don’t know how to stop you.

slowly whispers: stop me, you fucking idiot…

–

Ari (aloud, almost a whisper): I’m sorry.

Neil: Maybe the kindest thing I can do… is let you go.

–

A thick silence between.

Ari leaves, grabbing her coat, her hands trembling. She looks at him with a long, heavy look. Outside, rain taps softly against the window, a gentle echo of her storm inside. Neel watches her go, searching her face for a sign she’ll stay, but she doesn’t.

She pauses at the door, hand on the handle. She looks back, a hint of longing in her eyes, then turns away. The door closes quietly… Neil stays seated, feeling the weight of her absence settling in the room.

Neel (aloud, almost a whisper, voice thick with regret) I’m sorry. Maybe I should have fought harder.

–

[Lights out. Rain fades.]