NOTE: The three characters can be played by any gender or combination of genders. Very different scenes result. Adjust pronouns accordingly.

            (B threatens C with fist.)

B

You don’t think I will? You don’t think I will?

            (A enters.)

A

Is anything the matter?

B

Excuse me, who are you?

A

I thought maybe I could help.

C

Thank you.

B

This has nothing to do with you.

A

I just happened to be listening...

B

Who gave you the right to listen?

C

It’s a public place.

B

Shut up.

A

Is anything the matter?

B

No.

A

Is (he/she) bothering you?

C

Yes.

B

No I’m not.

A

I was talking to (him/her).

B

And I’m talking to you.

C

(He’s/she’s) just trying to help.

A

I’m just trying to help.

B

Listen...

C

That’s all.

B

Listen...

A

I heard you talking, and (he/she) said...

B

What I said I said because I was angry.

C

What (he/she) said (he/she) said because (he/she) was angry.

A

Are you still angry?

B

No!

A

Because what you said...

C

I’m not afraid of (him/her).

A

But what (he/she) said...

C

(He/she) talks like that all the time.

A

You let (him/her)?

B

Listen...

A

You let (him/her) talk to you that way?

C

It’s talk.

A

Because it sounded like more than talk.

C

It’s just talk.

B

Listen...

A

Are you sure?

C

(He/she) talks that way because...

B

No I don’t.

C

(He/she) knows I’m right, and (he/she) gets frustrated.

B

I’m going.

C

And then (he/she) goes.

B

Shut up or...

C

Or what?

B

You know.

A

This is what I’m talking about.

C

(He/she) wouldn’t.

B

Don’t be so sure.

C

You wouldn’t.

B

You, too.

A

I’m just trying to help.

C

We’ll be okay.

A

I don’t care about (him/her). It’s you I’m...

C

I’ll be okay.

A

Well, if I were you...

C

I will be. Okay?

A

Well, okay, if you really...

C

I do.

        (A leaves.

        Long silence.

        B and C suddenly erupt in uncontrollable laughter.)