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.

END OF PLAY

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