Split
February 9th, 2021
Starring: A & B
Nine months from now. A bowling alley, evening. Not too full. A and B are at a lane, in their clown-looking bowling shoes. There are onion rings, and a pitcher of beer.
B is a few feet behind the line, steadying their second ball. They steady, approach, and hurl, kicking up their back foot on the follow-through. The ball hits three pins, but misses the fourth for a spare. B laughs and turns around, joining A back at the table:
B
You like that little flair follow-through?
A
You think it helped?
B
I missed it. But hey, I had more fun, so—
A
All that matters.
…
B
You gonna get up there?
A
In a minute.
A takes a sip of beer, crunches down an onion ring. They stretch back in their chair, closing their eyes for a second.
B
How long is naptime?
A
What’s the rush?
B
I’m feeling the juices going.
A
So go for me.
B
That ruins the enjoyment of the competition.
A
Well I still need a minute. So I can enjoy.
B
Ok.
I just thought we came here to bowl.
A
We are bowling. This whole experience is bowling. The sound. The smell. Just the feeling of being somewhere, without the worry. I didn’t realize that’s what I’ve wanted.
B
The freedom feels freer, doesn’t it?
A
For the price we all paid, it better. Still too much suffering out there.
…
…
Am I bumming you out?
B
A bit.
But you know what would help?
A
Mm?
B
Rolling yourself a loud, messy strike.
A smiles and gets up, grabbing a ball. A steadies, approaches, and hurls. It’s got good speed, good placement, but lo and behold, a 7-10 split.
B
Ooo.
Tough break.
A walks back to the table, shrugging.
A
Eh.
It can never all be good.