The Doldrums
February 22nd, 2021
Starring: A & B
A cruise ship cabin balcony. There’s enough space for two chairs, then a railing. A and B sit in their seats, facing the rolling mass of water below them.
A
Did you like the buffet?
B
I didn’t mind it.
Did you try the soup?
A
I was too full.
B
It was peppery. A bit too much, for my taste.
I think you would’ve liked it.
…
…
A
Six years.
B
What?
A
You and I. We’ve been together six years.
B
We have. Though it’s hardly felt that long.
A
It’s flown.
But since we’ve come aboard, I’ve felt it. How long it’s been.
B
In a bad way?
A
In a real way.
B
What is that feeling?
A
...stillness.
Like we’ve gone everywhere, seen everything, and now we’ve got nowhere to go.
B
The doldrums.
A
Yes. We’ve reached some implied mutual understanding that this is who we are, and we’re dependent on each other as we are, so we carry on as we are.
…
B
They’re very pleasant, the doldrums.
A
The most. There’s little not to like.
B
Unless you’re looking to go somewhere.
A
No. I was only noticing we’re in them, not that we have to leave them.
B
But you brought it up. If you were satisfied, you wouldn’t.
…
A
Well...sometimes I think we can do better.
B
Than each other?
A
That.
Or with each other.
B
Which would you prefer?
A
I don’t.
Either way, it’s movement.
B
Except the doldrums don’t. They weren’t made to move.
…
Some wind will come along, eventually. It may push us apart, or closer together.
There’s no use in guessing it, or willing it. We have to let the drift drift.
A
Yes.
No rush, I suppose.
B
None.
We’re stuck.
Quiet, only waves. They share in a silent binding agreement, staring out onto the endless sea.