Construct
January 16th, 2021
Starring: Project Manager (male, 30-50), Counselor (female, 65-70)
The Project Manager’s office, inside a small worksite trailer. Project Manager sits behind his desk. Counselor sits across:
COUNSELOR
I’ve held my practice in my office for thirty-five years. I’ve seen every “big build,” every repaving, lane addition, window cleaning. I’ve gotten through all of them.
But this one? I’m truly convinced this is going to kill me.
PROJECT MANAGER
Ma’am, we’re not going to kill anyone. Of course, I apologize for the inconvenience. It’s taken much longer than expected—
COUNSELOR
You said it would be four months. We’re at two years now—
PROJECT MANAGER
Eighteen months—
COUNSELOR
I rounded up, sue me. It’s felt like quadruple that.
PROJECT MANAGER
We understand it’s been rocky.
COUNSELOR
I’m glad you see that. Because all I see is complete incompetence.
PROJECT MANAGER
I understand the inconvenience. It affects my commute too! But you have to understand a public works project of this scale takes serious time and resources. If we want the city to look better and be safer, we have to have the community’s support, patience, and adaptability through the process.
COUNSELOR
I’ve tried support. I’ve run out. I’ve tried patience. I’ve run out. I’ve tried adapting. I’ve done phone sessions, I’ve done night sessions. I’ve packed in more white noise machines than I have grandchildren. But the only constant is the noise and traffic.
PROJECT MANAGER
But someday soon, there will not be, and the benefits of the project will be well worth the efficiency and safety it provides.
COUNSELOR
But at what point are you hurting the community taking so long to help it?
PROJECT MANAGER
In the long-term, this project is worth it. A dedicated bike lane on this block alone has the potential to save dozens of lives a year.
COUNSELOR
So what about the lives of my patients? How can someone work through addiction when there’s a jackhammer reverberating 24/7? Or fight an eating disorder with a wrecking ball going to town out the window? Does that make them safer?
PROJECT MANAGER
No. And again, I apologize for all this may have caused. But this is the job, and this is where the job has to be done.
COUNSELOR
So I have to move, that’s the solution?
PROJECT MANAGER
I’m not suggesting that. All I know is that we can’t. We’re too far down the road, there’s no point in stopping now.
COUNSELOR
That’s the thing. There is no point. The city voted, and it’s going to finish when it finishes. I have no control.
But when you don’t do your job well, I can’t do my job well. I just hope you know that.
PROJECT MANAGER
Look. I’m a human. I see as much as you this has been a nightmare. You haven’t even seen the plumbing issues, permit issues, staffing issues, labor lawsuits, red tape out the butt! Then there’s weather, the city council, the architects, the DoT!? I’m one guy trying to manage my part, but then people come to me acting like I can fix all the issues, but I can’t! I don’t have eighty arms, I can’t make anyone work faster, and I don’t have anything to say but “whoops, sorry!” Then I’ve got my superiors shaking their fists, the neighborhood ready to flog me, and I spend so much time in this goddamn office, I’m never around my family!
So yeah! I do fucking know! Ok?!
…
…
I’m sorry. That was—
COUNSELOR
Maybe you should take a deep breath.
...
Have you ever thought about talking to someone?
PROJECT MANAGER
uh...no. I never thought I needed to.
COUNSELOR
Well from where I’m sitting, it seems like you got a lot built up inside. Having a space to let it out can be helpful.
PROJECT MANAGER
...sure um...maybe.
...
Are you available?
COUNSELOR
Me?
PROJECT MANAGER
Yeah. Maybe you could be that person...?
I don’t know what you charge—
COUNSELOR
I’ll waive your first three sessions.
PROJECT MANAGER
Really?
COUNSELOR
Really. But for those three hours, the construction has to stop.
PROJECT MANAGER
I...I can’t um...ok. I’ll do my best.
Counselor pulls out a scheduling book from her bag:
COUNSELOR
I have tomorrow at noon. Does that work?
PROJECT MANAGER
That’s my break. But yeah, that works.
...
Thank you. See you then?
COUNSELOR
Yes. See you then.
Counselor leaves the trailer. Project Manager takes another deep breath. It helps.