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TIME AND PLACE
2024. Crossland University, Grahamstead, Surrey, England.
SCENE 1
WILLIAMS is walking by himself when he happens to see AURORA (also by herself) picking grass in a small garden outside a Crossland University lecture hall, and putting it in tissue paper.
He approaches her.
WILLIAMS
[indicating] For your pet rabbit?
AURORA
Eyeing WILLIAMS.
My cat….
Grass helps her digestion.
This grass does. A bit of it.
At her age.
WILLIAMS
Often?
AURORA
I beg your pardon.
WILLIAMS
Is picking grass here for your cat something you do often?
AURORA
When I feel she needs it.
WILLIAMS
[beat] I apologize.
I’m new here.
This is my first day on campus.
AURORA
Well, welcome to Crossland then.
I really must be getting back.
Turns to leave.
WILLIAMS
Maybe you can help me.
AURORA
Turns back toward WILLIAMS.
Help you?
WILLIAMS
Are there any places to get a good meal nearby?
AURORA
There’s Monkey’s.
WILLIAMS
Monkey’s?
AURORA
Monkey’s Sore Thumb.
A pub with good pub food.
As pub food goes, you know….
Just across the road from campus.
WILLIAMS
Want to have dinner there with me this evening?
AURORA
[indignantly] I happen to be married, Sir! We eat together, thank you.
WILLIAMS
I mean, afterwards.
Fix his dinner, then join me.
Or bring him along.
I don’t mind.
AURORA
Who are you?
WILLIAMS
I’m an American.
AURORA
Tell me something I don’t already know.
WILLIAMS
The name is Williams.
Timothy Williams.
But everyone, of course, calls me “Ted.”
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