MASHA I think I need to take a walk by the pond, and digest the entirety of the last 15 minutes. And maybe the last 15 years. I think I mostly feel happy, but I can’t figure out why. Oh, and Vanya—I LOVED your play, although you did upstage it with your harangue at Spike, which I also loved.

VANYA Oh, thanks. And Nina was very good.

MASHA Yes, she was.

NINA Oh thank you. Was I? I know I stood up straight and spoke loudly, but wasn’t sure I entirely inhabited being a molecule.

MASHA Oh, writers ask you to play such difficult things. I thought you were very good as a molecule, rather ethereal, which I always had hoped molecules would be.

NINA Really? How wonderful.

MASHA Now let me go take my walk, and evaluate my life. (exits to the grass, and the pond)

VANYA You know, Sonia—we’ve got to get jobs. We can’t expect her to keep sending us a monthly stipend, when we just sit home doing nothing. How much is minimum wage, does anyone know?

NINA I think it’s $7 and some change.

SONIA Work. Really? Who would ever hire us?

VANYA That unfortunately is a good question.

NINA I saw a help wanted sign at CVS Pharmacy.

SONIA Oh God. I’d prefer death.

NINA Oh, I’m sorry, I thought you wanted a job.

SONIA No, Vanya thought I should have a job. I think I should have a cocktail.

VANYA Well, we’ll have to keep talking about it. There may be things we can do . . .

SONIA Oh I’m sure they’ll pay us 15 cents.

VANYA Sonia, you’re right, it’ll be really difficult and maybe awful. But if Masha has the generosity to continue paying for this house, we have to earn something to contribute to our living expenses.

SONIA Oh dear. Well maybe I’ll marry Joe and he’ll end up being really wealthy.

VANYA What? Who?

SONIA I got a phone call. Someone from the party. Asked me to dinner. His name is Joe. Of course, it’s just dinner . . . I’m sure he won’t like me, but if he does like me, oh I’d so prefer that to CVS Pharmacy.

VANYA Well that’s great that someone called you.

SONIA I know. I never meet anyone, I don’t think I’ve been to a party in 20 years. It’s encouraging but of course I mustn’t get my hopes up.

NINA You must always get your hopes up.

SONIA Really? That sounds wise but scary.

NINA I have so loved meeting you both. Dear Sonia, dear Uncle Vanya. I am going to come out to visit my aunt and uncle more often, so I can see you both.

Nina hugs them both, exits.

VANYA She’s very sweet. I like her.