The Impulse: Train Station

M: Jessica, it's so good to see you again! I can't believe how long it's been.
W: Me neither. Who knew that three years could pass so quickly . . .
M: What are your plans, now that you've finished your undergrad and all?
W: Well, you remember how much I enjoy writing.
M: Yeah, I remember that little notebook you used to carry around.
W: The one you stole from me every so often; wehre you wrote your name all over on random pages? And hearts with our initials inside?
M: Yeah, that one. Anyway, go on!
W: You're blushing!
M: Go on!
W: You know I'm teasing. It's my job. Anyway, I'm leaving to Massachussets to pursue a career in journalism.
M: So fitting, for you. Someday, when you publish a pulitzer, I'll have bragging rights.
W (laughing): What do you mean?
M: You know, when this fabulous piece is raved about in newspaper columns and the news, and the whole literate audience in America booms "Who is Jessica W. Renaldi?" I'll pull out my yearbook, point to your picture, and show everybody that I know you-- that htis grand work was written by none other than my friend.
W: Well, I doubt that will happen for quite a while, if at all. But I appreciate the flatter nonetheless, Jake. (pauses, and mutters under her breath) my friend.
M: Jess-- (pauses; steps forward and back, shuffling, before lokoing back up at her, a faint smile on his face), do you ever wonder waht might've been?
W: I don't know what you mean.
M: I think you do, Jess.
W: I thought you stopped calilng me that.
M: What?
W: Jess. You haven't called me that since . . . since . . .
M: Yeah, I know when. But why not start back up again? Old habits die hard, and all that. And I missed you. I miss you. I can't hardly believe I'm talking to you now, while you're waiting for your train to take you across the country.
W: I can believe it. I can also believe that the old habits need to be left with the past. It's not worth it to me. I can't endure it again, Jake. You weren't the only one that was hurt by the distance.
M: I suppose you're right. But that doesn't mean my feelings have gone away in the least bit.
W: Jake, the distance--
W: You say it like it'll all be fien. Like we won't mind being apart, that our love will 'conquer all.' But it's time for me to move on. That was 1930, jake, and now its 1933. It has to be this way.
M (kisses her cheek, and whispers in her ear): I understand.
(uncomfortable silence)
W (feigned nonchalance): So, what are your plans?
M (looks down at his business suit): Well, judging by my stuffy garb, I think I'll be continuing on as a lawyer.
W: You'll do wonderfully!
(Train whistle)
W: That's my ride. I'd best be off. It was good to see you, really, it was.
M (picking up her suitcases and helping her aboard): You too. Good luck in Massachussets, Jess. Keep in touch.
W (with a sad smile): I think for both our best interests, I'd better not.
M (mournfully): Bye.