Conversation Lonely

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James is having a rather complicated conversation with his best friend Liza about their personal lives.

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L              Hey James! I was so relieved that you suddenly called me for coffee, but I thought we’d hang                     out at your parents’ restaurant instead of this café.

J              No!  I mean, I just needed some space and good company. What is your exact order before I                     walk towards the counter, I don’t want to get it wrong like last time.

L              (softly) A tea..

J              What? I could barely hear you. Did you say coffee?

L              I said TEA! It’s better for my waist than my regular chocolate milk. I’m concerned about my                      weight.

J              (Comes back) Why? Do all women have this in common? My mom … (pause)

L              What happened?

J              I am not sure, still quite confused. My mom is obviously not well. Her skin is still stiff & scaly                     and she groans when I push on her limbs. My eyes well up with tears when she rushes past                      me during service in the restaurant. Why did she need to go back to work?

L              I can imagine that this is the hardest to watch, but can you imagine how she felt during                            treatment? She must have gone insane feeling so lonely. She was used to being and working                    with you and your dad the whole day, and when she got cancer she had to stay in a bed all day                for chemo-therapy.

J              hmmpf (shrugs + shakes head)

L             Don’t shrug or shake your head please. I know that it is difficult to see your mom swinging                        between good and bad health.

J              It is very difficult to be honest. What can I do to make her feel better?

L              Hmm.. Let me think..

J              I just want her to retreat for a while, relax and feel comfortable. Heal up more.

L              That is such a good idea to start with!

J              But what can I do. When I get my salary, I blink and it’s spend.

L              That’s why saving accounts exist! But don’t worry I have a good idea that might not even cost                  you much if your dad is willing to help.

J              What did you think of? I can’t stay up today because I meet my homeroom teacher early in the                 morning.

L              I must be hallucinating if you’re going to school, but we will talk about that problem another                     time. My idea can be done whenever. You’ll cook her a delicious dinner, if your dad helps with                 ingredients, and by doing that you can indicate how much she means to you. I sense that she                  needs that now most. Set her down in the courtyard and finish it off by hugging her tightly.

J              That’s amazing! I’ll go ask my dad immediately, thank you so much! I’ll call you soon.

L              Okay, Bye.