Harbinger: A Journal of Art & Literature | 2018-2019

JAMES: I think so. So you have everything you ever wanted with the woman you are
with now?
HECTOR: Mijo, if I had everything I ever wanted, I would not be wearing this jumpsuit
and talking to you right now. I would be on a beach somewhere with a cold Corona
in my hand and a lime in the other. I’m saying that what I found in my wife is someone
who loves me as much as I do her. We keep each other green. I know that if I water that
land, it will stay green forever. Does this sound like something you could have yourself?
JAMES: (Quietly; almost a whisper) It sounds like something I already have…
HECTOR: There you go. I can guarantee that if you go through with this, (Points to the
bus ticket) you will never be certain of anything. The “what could have been” with who
you have right now will stay with you forever.
(JAMES pauses to think it over, then nods to HECTOR and tears the ticket in two)
JAMES:You should charge people for conversations like this.
HECTOR: Did I not mention? We’ve been on the clock this whole time. You can see
the receptionist at the front for the bill.
(The two exchange laughter)
JAMES: Seriously though, this is the best I’ve felt in weeks. You kind of just changed my
life man, and I don’t even know your name.
HECTOR: Hector. Hector Martinez. (Extends his hand)
JAMES: (Shakes HECTOR’S hand) James O’Malley. You know what Hector? I’m am hungry.
HECTOR: (Reaches into his lunchbox and grabs a small bag of chips) Here you go.
JAMES: Are you sure?
HECTOR: (Pats his belly) You need it more than me.
(The two sit and eat in peace)
BLACKOUT
END OF PLAY