A sketch by Jean-Pierre Martinez
A bar. A table where a woman is seated. No drink in front of her. Another woman arrives.
One (standing) – Ah, you came…
Two – Did I really have a choice?
They hesitate awkwardly, almost go in for a hug, but think better of it. They sit down.
One – Would you like something?
Two – I ordered a coffee.
One – Even though we know we’re not here forever… it still hits you.
Two – At his age… we knew he was on borrowed time, right?
One – Apparently, it happened in his sleep.
Two – Oh, I see…?
One – At least he didn’t suffer… Didn’t even know he was going.
Two – A good death, as they say… Doesn’t replace a good life, but it’s better than nothing.
One – He always did as he pleased…
Two – Is that enough for a good life…?
One – It was a different time.
Two – Yes…
An uncomfortable silence. The second woman gets up.
Two – I’ll go see what’s happened to my coffee… Seems they’ve forgotten me. Do you want anything else?
One – They haven’t brought what I ordered either…
Two approaches the bar, disappearing into the shadows. One touches up her makeup. Two returns with two coffees.
Two – They were ready, but they forgot to bring them to us…
One – I hope it’s still hot…
Two (taking a sip) – Strong, at least… It could wake the dead.
The other looks at her, unsure whether to laugh or be shocked.
One – We didn’t even get to say goodbye.
Two – Say goodbye?
One – Bid farewell, if you prefer…
Two – I’m not sure what I prefer, but all right…
One – Still… If only we had known…
Two – Even if we had known the exact date and time… between us, would it really have changed anything?
One – We could have said one last word to him…
Two – One last word? Like what, for example?
One – I don’t know…
Two – Personally, I’m not sure the last thing I’d have said to him would’ve brought much comfort…
One – No use dwelling on the past now that he’s gone…
Two – You’re right… Let’s look resolutely to the future… So, what do we do with the body?
One – You talk as if we were the ones who killed him…
Two – I was thinking about cremation…
One – Do you think that’s what he would have wanted?
Two – Well… I don’t recall ever having that kind of conversation with him. Actually, I don’t recall ever having a proper conversation with him at all… And you?
One – No, neither do I…
Two – In that case, it’s up to us. Personally, I’ve never been a fan of the whole mausoleum business, unless you’re a national hero. We’re not going to embalm him like Stalin… And I’ve no intention of traipsing to the cemetery every All Saints’ Day with a bunch of chrysanthemums.
One – I don’t know…
Two – I’m just saying how I feel… But if you’d enjoy visiting his grave once a year to lay a few flowers… If you think it’s better to invest in stone, we’ll go with that.
A beat.
One – And what would we do with the ashes?
Two – We split them. It’s all he ever left us.
One – We can’t do that…
Two – If you’d rather scatter the whole lot in your garden between the barbecue and the pool, I’m happy to hand over my share. No worries.
Silence.
One – How can you be so harsh…?
Emotion overtakes her.
Two – The real question is… how did we end up like this?
One – Well… It is what it is… No one’s to blame…
Two – Someone’s always to blame, surely!
One – It’s too late anyway.
Silence.
One – And you… how are you?
Two – I’m fine.
One – That’s all?
Two – It would take too long to explain…
Her phone rings, she answers.
Two – Yes… Oh, it’s you… No, no… Yes, yes, but… Listen, I’m in a meeting right now. Well… more like a family reunion. Actually, not really a party either, I’ll explain. Can I call you back later? Right, talk soon… You too…
She hangs up her phone.
Two – Sorry… And you, how are you?
One – It’s been so long… I don’t even know where to begin…
The other’s phone rings again.
Two – Sorry… (She answers.) Yes? Okay. No, no, it’s fine. Really? But I told you to… Alright, I’ll be there in an hour.
She puts her phone away .
Two – I’m really sorry… What were we talking about?
One – Doesn’t matter.
Two – Look, honestly, if you can manage it… I just can’t right now… Do what you think is best. I’m fine with that. And of course, we’ll split the costs…
She stands up.
Two – I really have to go now… I hadn’t planned on this… But let’s have lunch sometime soon?
One – Why not.
She starts to take a banknote from her purse to pay.
Two – Leave it, I’ll pay on my way out. You have my number, keep me posted?
One – Okay…
This time they awkwardly kiss each other. The second one leaves. The first sits back down and finishes her coffee.
Two – And now it’s cold…
Black.
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A sketch from the collection At the Bar Counter
Link to the collection for free download (PDF)
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