Ironman
March 24th, 2021
Starring: Demi (female, mid/late 40’s), Blair (female, mid/late 40’s)
A haircut place. Could be a shared salon, or a Supercuts. Demi and Blair are alone together, sweeping up hair.
DEMI
Want to feel bad about yourself?
BLAIR
No.
DEMI
But it’ll make me feel less bad about myself.
BLAIR
Oh. Then fire away—
DEMI
My 54-year-old brother just finished his second Ironman this year.
BLAIR
Those big triathlons?
DEMI
Yeah, see?
Demi pulls out her phone to show Blair:
DEMI
Look, that’s him in Maui.
BLAIR
What an asshole.
DEMI
I know! Screw him for taking extreme care of his body at his age.
BLAIR
Does he work?
DEMI
Weeknight primetime weatherman.
BLAIR
Ugh. I bet he’s a great dad too.
DEMI
He is.
…
...
Not the best brother though.
BLAIR
Oh so
You two actually have issues—?
DEMI
No, no. I mean we’re not on bad terms or anything it’s just...we don’t really talk.
As we’ve gotten older, it’s gotten quieter. Harder to connect.
BLAIR
He thinks he’s too busy for you. Off doing all his crazy stuff.
DEMI
I could do more too.
BLAIR
But you’re not the one with this invincibility complex. Like you’ve got it all figured out.
DEMI
But if you met him he’d...he doesn’t rub it in my face.
Like I’m happy he’s happy, I just wish it wasn’t at the expense of our relationship.
I feel bad saying—
BLAIR
You shouldn’t. This is on him, he’s the dick.
DEMI
He’s not a dick—
BLAIR
You can admit it. He's Mr. Maui Ironman dick!
DEMI
Blair!
BLAIR
What? I’m defending you.
DEMI
I know but...that’s my brother. Like...I still love him.
BLAIR
Then why did you bring it up?
DEMI
I meant it as a joke.
Ok it wasn't all joke but I...I meant it as one?
...
I don’t know. I think I’m just bitter.
BLAIR
That’s ok. Whatever it takes.
DEMI
To what?
BLAIR
Make it through the day.
We’re all pushing through something.
A customer comes in. Blair finishes sweeping up the last few hair clumps, then puts away her broom and dustpan, putting on a big smile to greet them. Demi watches them interact, then looks back down at her brother’s photo on her phone. She squeezes the lock button (maybe a little too hard), puts down her phone, and keeps on sweeping. This time, with a bit more feeling.