AFTER
Ann Lewis Hamilton

JACK: When it's over, and it will be over, I'll walk down the street, spot a stranger, and I'll kiss him. Right on the mouth.

KENYA: Too far.

JACK: A bear hug, a big manly bear hug.

KENYA: No.

JACK: It's going to be different. People will have a new appreciation for things. Going to see yet another Fast and Furious sequel, just for the pleasure of being in a movie theater. Sharing a Bloomin' Onion at Outback Seakhouse. Dozens of children splashing in a pool - "Marco!" "Polo!" Do they still play Marco Polo?

KENYA: People will be more suspicious. They don't know who to trust, they'll worry it will come back.

JACK: We learn from our mistakes. We'll get through this. The stranger on the street, I'll shake his hand.

(He extends his hand. She does the same, but their hands don't touch)



Ann Lewis Hamilton is a writer living in California.