The Retreaters (Part 1)
May 29th, 2020
Starring: Nell (female, 50/60’s) and Fabian (50/60’s)
March 2020. An upscale apartment kitchen. Tasteful, but not garish. Nell is trying to stuff a bag of brown sugar and a box of kosher salt into a handbag. She fits them in as Fabian enters, a bit winded.
NELL
All set?
FABIAN (nodding)
The car’s on, you can head down.
Keys?
Nell takes them off the counter and throws them to him. Fabian fumbles, but catches them.
Thanks. Be down in a sec.
Nell picks up her bag and heads out the door. Fabian begins to lock up, but Nell comes back in, headed for the kitchen.
What’d you forget?
NELL
Olive oil.
FABIAN
Just leave it.
NELL
I don’t think we have any there—
FABIAN
Then we’ll get some.
NELL
We’re gonna need it.
FABIAN
Then we’ll get it. When we get there.
NELL
We’re gonna cook tonight, aren’t we?
FABIAN
Honestly I haven’t really thought that far.
NELL
Well right now I am, and I think we’re gonna be sorry if we don’t take it. Really sorry.
FABIAN
Ok what’s the worst possible outcome of us not taking the olive oil?
NELL
I’m not playing the logic game. I want it. I think you’ll want it. Things are out of stock. It’s a full bottle. It’s got the drizzle top on it which is really helpful, and we’ve got room in the car, and I’m the cook, so I’m fucking taking it.
FABIAN
Ok
...
But do you see what I’m saying about—
NELL
Sure.
You win.
Nell leaves again, holding the bottle.
FABIAN
Great start.