Random Thoughts

1. This week I learned that the word Prehensile not only describes a Possum's tail (adapted for grasping) but it also means greedy, grasping or avaricious.

My initial learning in regards to Prehensile stopped at the possum's tail. Now all I can think of is a pinkish man covered in fine white hair looking to steal my wallet.


2. (An office, late afternoon. TIM, a hard late 30's is seated at the receptionists desk, clicking the mouse on his computer. He stops briefly and cranes his neck back into the office's interior, looking for someone. After a beat, the phone rings. TIM answers, a smile in his voice.)

TIM
Kerr Plastics. (He listens) Yes...I believe he's gone for the day but I'll put you through to his voicemail if that's okay...m-hm, have a good night.

(He presses a button on the phone's black keypad and hangs up. TIM goes back to clicking around on his computer. The corners of his mouth slightly upturned. DAN enters from behind.)

DAN
See ya...

TIM (cheerful, like it's the first time)
Wouldn't wanna be ya!

DAN
Right...g'night.


(DAN presses the button and waits for the elevator. LYDIA, early 30's approaches from behind. She is dressed for winter, her shoulders hunch as she carries her backpack. The elevator opens and DAN steps in. Not seeing LYDIA, he allows the doors to close.)

LYDIA
Wait! Man...

(As she comes around to the elevators, TIM brightens. She grins in his direction.)

LYDIA
See ya...

TIM
Wouldn't wanna be ya...

(LYDIA forces a smile.)

LYDIA
Heh, heh...that's right...

(Silence as LYDIA presses the "down" button 5 times. She sighs.)

TIM
Long day?

LYDIA
Huh? Oh...heh, yeah.

TIM
Everybody's trying to get their stuff in before the end of the year.

LYDIA
Yeah...

(A beat)

TIM
Any plans for the holidays?

LYDIA
Oh, not really...much. (Not wanting to ask but sensing the obligation) You?

TIM
Staying in town. My girlfriend's coming in to town. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be spending the whole time with my girlfriend.

LYDIA
Oh, Yeah? Girlfriend?

(TIM Nods)

LYDIA
Huh. She's very lucky.

TIM
Well, my girlfriend's a pretty great lady.
(A beat. She presses the button again. The elevator approaches.)

LYDIA
Welp. Tell your girlfriend Merry Christmas for me...or whatever you-

TIM
Right.

LYDIA
See ya...

TIM
Wouldn't wanna be ya...

(The elevator door opens. As LYDIA exits, she grumbles under her breath)

LYDIA
Smell ya, shouldn't have to tell ya.

(The elevator doors close behind her. TIM is left, smile drops from his face as he begins to cry.)

BLACKOUT


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