PONY: That’s all you’re going to say?

JOHN: Okay, come on, let’s see you smile.

PONY (She doesn’t smile): I’m not good at anything.

JOHN (Very brief pause): Where’s that smile.

PONY (She doesn’t smile): So, there was this guy in a wheelchair out in front of the post office, this morning. When I walked past, he said, “Is it just me?” And then he started trying to yell. I could still see him, when I was in line. Then an ambulance came. I was trying not to look.

JOHN: What was wrong with him?

PONY: It might’ve been the guy Jennifer was talking about, the other night. He was totally pale, like, bright white, even his eyelashes. He was like a ghost.

JOHN (Comforts her with a hand on her shoulder): I’m sorry, sweetie. You weren’t expecting that.

PONY: Do you know what I thought the whole time? I just wanted to watch TV with you.

JOHN: Aww, Pony.

PONY: I did. I wished we were watching that show about antiques. I just wanted to be making our funny comments at the television.

JOHN: It’s a good show for that.

PONY: I like the people way in the background, walking by and looking at the camera, trying to carry all their crazy stuff. Remember that guy with the fake violin? He got so mad.

JOHN: I thought he was going to hit the lady who told him, the way he was yelling. He had a point though. A hundred-year-old fake is still a real antique.

PONY: Remember we saw him in the background, later? Like he was trying to get second opinions from everyone.

JOHN: It was hard not to feel for that guy. I was able to do it, but, it was hard.

BOB (Appears at the screen door): Hi.

PONY: Hey, Bob.

BOB: Hi. This is nice. The screen. (Brief pause) What’s that?

JOHN: No one said anything.

BOB: Okay. Do you have any sugar?

PONY: Seriously? You’re here to borrow sugar?

BOB: Jennifer’s at the store. (Brief pause) Have a good one. (Exits)

PONY: Didn’t you want— (Calling to him) I think we do have some sugar. (No response) That was weird. What’s going on with him?

JOHN: Hard to tell. (Brief pause) Maybe he just wanted some sugar.

(Lights down.)

Scene 6

Scene 6

Porch and backyard of Jennifer and Bob’s house. Late at night. Mostly darkness. Jennifer is seated in the lawn, having a glass of wine, looking up. Indirect light and muffled sound of a very humble fireworks display, accompanied by low sound of a recording of Eastern chanting or Tuvan throat-singing. Bob appears, and stands in the doorway.

JENNIFER: Hey. I didn’t see you there.

BOB: Yup. I’m here. Weird music.

JENNIFER: I like it.

BOB: It’s weird. They shouldn’t be lighting fireworks.

JENNIFER: They’re pretty. Do you want to come out?