The Breaks
February 16th, 2021
Starring: Gemma (female, 20’s/30’s), Doctor Cos (40-60)
Doctor Cos’ private practice. Very cushy. Gemma sits at the desk, across from them.
GEMMA
9th grade, I was playing in a softball game. Someone hit a ground ball that took a short hop, bounced up, hit me square in the face. Broke it.
DOCTOR COS
But you didn’t.
GEMMA
No. I never played softball. It’s just what I say if people ask.
DOCTOR COS
Do people?
GEMMA
Sometimes.
I mean they usually don’t say it say it, but I can tell when they can tell.
DOCTOR COS
What do they do?
GEMMA
Stare for like a quarter second longer. Maybe I’m sensitive, but I feel like they do.
Which is when I’ll slip softball into the conversation. To like, make them aware that I’m aware.
...
DOCTOR COS
That must be hard.
GEMMA
Not really.
DOCTOR COS
It can’t be enjoyable.
GEMMA
It’s not. But that doesn’t mean I have to change it.
DOCTOR COS
But you want to.
GEMMA
I didn’t say that.
DOCTOR COS
But you’re here. You’ve clearly had the thought.
GEMMA
It feels wrong.
Like...I look at my face, and I know I’m not happy. But I know there’s nothing structurally wrong with it. And if there’s nothing structurally wrong, then it makes this unnecessary. Cosmetic.
DOCTOR COS
Cosmetic doesn’t mean unnecessary—
GEMMA
But it is. Noone who comes to you needs this. Nose job or not, my life’s not in danger.
DOCTOR COS
You’re insecure.
GEMMA
Thank you.
DOCTOR COS
You’re conflicted, I mean. You want the change, but you don’t want what it says about you.
...
It’s a good thing. Most people come right in without a second thought.
GEMMA
I’m not one of them.
DOCTOR COS
You don’t have to be. What matters is if you think this would benefit your life.
GEMMA
It could.
DOCTOR COS
So that’s enough reason. The chance to love yourself a little bit more.
GEMMA
But...do I need you for that? Do I really need you to change me so I can love me? Or is this all some excuse not to find it in myself?
DOCTOR COS
Are you telling me or asking me?
GEMMA
Asking.
Actually.
…
DOCTOR COS
I’ve said yes to people who need it much less. Thing is, they’ve all wanted it more.
GEMMA
I don’t know what I want.
DOCTOR COS
And I can’t tell you.
But whatever you want, want it. You deserve that.
A pause. Gemma nods and gets up.
GEMMA
Can I have a few days to think about it?
DOCTOR COS
Take the weekend.
GEMMA
Thank you.
DOCTOR COS
Any big plans?
GEMMA
Oh, you know. The usual softball game.
DOCTOR COS
Ah.
Well keep that eye on the ball.
GEMMA
Yeah.
You don’t have to tell me.
Gemma exits.