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I glance out of my driver’s side window
and see a boy
trudging miserably down the sidewalk
his essence radiating awkwardness
this long haired kid, maybe twelve years old
or just turned thirteen
wore hand me down boots that are too big for his feet,
ripped jeans, and a bookbag slung across his shoulder
in the dying days of July
whispering under his breath
maybe reciting poetry
or telling himself a story

And I honestly think
if time is fluid, like the oceans
like the monks say
then maybe I’m glancing over as a wave breaks
and I’m looking at myself
I couldn’t tell you how many times
I made that journey on foot
my heels throbbing, my legs begging to be broken
my hitchhiker’s thumb, had given up all hope at that point

SCENE 1: NORTH PARK; THE NEXT DAY

Sage is seen sitting on a park bench by himself.

SAGE

This place is usually never this quiet. There are people everywhere, normally. Then again, I've never been out this early before. I'm not physically tired - I don't think that's possible anymore, but I am emotionally exhausted.

(Looks at a nearby clock in the park)

It's six-thirty in the morning. I hope someone shows up soon. I don't know how much longer I listen to myself think.

Belinda enters, sitting on the bench next to Sage, looking out at the park with nostalgia.

SAGE

Well, ask and thou shall receive.

(Reaches out to touch her )

Rook enters and takes a seat on a nearby bench, closer to the side he entered from. He does not notice Belinda at first.

ROOK

(To himself)

It's too cold for the fall.

(Rubs his hands together and breathing on them)

Belinda notices Rook and gets up from her bench to join him.

BELINDA

Hey.

ROOK

Oh, hey, didn't expect to see you here this early.

BELINDA

I could say the same for you.

(Sits with him)

So what are you doing here?

ROOK

I was out and about, and I needed to sit and think. Sage and I used to come here a lot.

To watch people.

Belinda smiles and laughs a little

BELINDA

Yeah, he liked to do that.

ROOK

You doing okay? I mean - sleeping on your own the last couple days.

BELINDA

Yeah, I'm fine I guess.

Silence.