— Restaurant — Night
Annie and Jack sit across from each other in a cozy candlelit restaurant.
Annie is wearing a dazzling red dress that accentuates her curves, while Jack looks dashing in his navy blue suit.
Jack places his wine glass on the table and smiles at Annie.
Jack: We should break up.
Annie: I like pranks, but not today.
Jack: I’ve been fooling myself ever since our first date. The truth is I never had feelings for you.
Annie: Can you not mess up my special day?
Jack: That’s the thing, Annie. I don’t give a shit about Valentine’s Day. I never did.
Annie ignores his response and picks up the menu to read it.
Annie: So, what do you want to eat?
Jack: Are you even paying attention to what I’m saying? I’m breaking up with you.
Annie: You are not breaking up with me, baby boy.
Annie selects an item from the menu and informs The Waiter.
Annie: Hey, can I get some fries? But do not fry them? Just cook them up in the oven. Thanks.
The Waiter nods with a smile and then leaves.
Jack: I keep making the same mistake over and over again. Even at 37, I still pick my girlfriends based only on their looks, like a teenage boy. I’ve been doing this for the past 15 years, and it’s never made me happy. I’m done.
Annie: Are you saying I’m not pretty?
Jack: This isn’t about you. This is about me. This is about how I feel.
Annie: You know Valentine’s Day is my day. Why are you trying to hijack my moment?
Jack: You don’t care, do you? I’m explaining about my feelings, and you are nagging with the same shit.
Annie: Feelings? Man up, Jack.
Jack is offended by that comment.
Annie: And by the way, I care, but I’m letting you talk because someone must be the adult here.
Jack: Your life isn’t a TV, and you aren’t the main character. Wake up, Annie.
Annie: Being hopeless isn’t wisdom, Jack. You are just confused. Just sleep on your bumper sticker philosophy, and you will be fine.
Jack manages his anger by grinding his teeth. He avoids a fight and stays calm.
Jack: I built my life around other’s interests. I never expressed who I truly am. I never found my voice. I did this because I thought it was the right path to live my life. Now, I realize that social status is nothing but a delusion. Who am I living for? Is it for others or me? It finally became clear that I should focus only on what interests me instead of following social norms. When I admitted this to myself, I felt this warmth around my neck, like my brain and body had finally connected.
He holds Annie’s hands.
Jack: I don’t want to waste my life. I will take a break from dating for a while and find my purpose, you know? I need to figure out which path I will take and who I will live for. I want to do something meaningful for the next generation… unite them, and encourage them to care for each other. I don’t want the next generation to experience the same sickness I went through.
Annie smiles.
Annie: I know what this is about. I think I was a bit tough on you. I should have allowed you sooner.
Jack is relieved that Annie finally understands him.
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