In Transit

A play

Cast of Characters

The Receptionist / A young woman

The Accountant / An older man

Setting

An otherwise empty train carriage

Act 1 / Scene 1

{The young woman is already seated. The man enters the carriage and approaches her, smiling.}

Acc: Hello, again.

Rec: Hello.

Acc: We really should stop meeting like this.

{The young woman laughs. The man takes the seat beside her with his briefcase lying flat on his suit-trousered knees.}

Rec: How was your day?

Acc: The usual. Yours?

Rec: Isn't it funny, how we work for the same firm, in the same building, but only ever see each other travelling to and from?

{The train begins to move away from the station. The young woman gazes out of the window. The man twists the platinum wedding ring on his finger. The young woman checks her watch.}

Rec: We're running late again.

Acc: Sorry?

Rec: I said we're running late again.

Acc: Better late than never, I suppose.

Rec: How hard can it be to follow a schedule?

Acc: So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.

Rec: Who's that?

Acc: Fitzgerald. The Great Gatsby.

Rec: I've never read it.

Acc: Few have. They only say they have to impress their friends at dinner parties.

{The rattle and hum of the train becomes louder as it steadily increases its speed.}

Acc: I was wondering if... If you might like...

Rec: Yes?

Acc: If we might have lunch together, some time. There's an Italian place not far from -

Rec: I eat at my desk.

Acc: Oh, right. Of course. The interminable drudge.

Rec: It's not so bad.

Acc: Don't you ever wonder if there's something better?

Rec: Better than public transport?

Acc: Better than this.

Rec: There are worse. I know what it's like to be poor.

Acc: Someone once said 'Life is how we fill our days between the cradle and the grave'.

Rec: There's a depressing thought.

Acc: Come away with me.

Rec: Where would we go?

Acc: Away. Somewhere. Anywhere. Just away. From here. Away from this.

Rec: Who would feed my cat?

Acc: I love you.

Rec: Don't be silly.

Acc: I'm serious. I've never been more serious.

Rec: But, you're married.

Acc: My wife cares more for her Begonias than she does for me.

{The young woman turns back to the window.}

Acc: And I was alone again in the unquiet darkness.

Rec: You're an odd duck.

{Having reached its destination, the train begins to slow. It's as if the carriage trembles with anticipation. The young woman gathers her coat and handbag, and stands up.}

Rec: This is me.

{The man vacates his seat, standing to let her past. Then he reaches for her hand. Clutches at it.}

Acc: Will I see you again tomorrow?

{The young woman pulls her hand free. Makes her way toward the carriage door on unsteady feet. The train grinds to a stop. The door opens. The young woman steps out onto the platform. She doesn't look back. She doesn't wave. The man slumps into the seat.}

End