THE IMPERFECTION, PART 3
EXT. STREET AND SUBWAY - EVENING
Charlie is on his way to the rendezvous with the Arena, which he has cleverly scheduled at the same time as his first date with Inés. On the way he updates his recordings for Dr. Sadler.
SFX of a city street fade as he enters the subway station and swipes his metro-card, pushing through the turnstile.
CHARLIE
Hi Dr Sadler. Its Saturday, around six PM. I’m on the subway heading out into deepest darkest Brooklyn. Normally I wouldn’t make this recording on the train- too many prying eyes, you know what I mean? But I can’t help it, I’m just in a good mood, and everyone can think whatever they want- fuck ‘em, I don’t care!
He speaks a little bit away from the mic.
CHARLIE
I’m talking to my therapist. He’s missing.
(Back to the recording)
I’m a bit giddy today. Light in the loafers. No that’s not right- walking on air is what I meant. Whatever, I have a date. A date, yup, that’s what I said. With... wait for it... the girl from the coffee shop! Woman, the woman from the coffee shop. Inés, is her name. And she likes lobster, and not being hassled by weirdos who want to post flyers for cults in her coffee shop. And that’s literally everything I know about her. But there’s a vibe, Dr Sadler. A very strong vibe.
A train pulls up. Charlie gets in the car. The subway announcer comes over the PA. Its the VOICE- same voice as in the elevator and the electronic greeter at Drugmart.
SUBWAY ANNOUNCER VOICE
Canal Street. Doors open on the right. Let them in, people, let them in. Stand clear of the closing doors.
There’s the usual ding of the doors opening and closing and the people shuffling on.
CHARLIE
Ugh. Rush hour. Anyways, I just want to catch you up on some of the crazy shit that been going down in your, uh, prolonged absence. I went to a Chinese restaurant around the corner from your office, and the waitress told me I have to complete three trials if I’m going to find you. So that was weird. She said something about the Arena, the Old Factory, and the Inventor’s Basement. The Arena thing turns out to be some weird wealth growing pyramid scheme type group.
Someone is obviously paying too much attention.
CHARLIE
Oh hi there. Talking to my doctor.
(back to the recording)
I’m a little worried about Amber, Doc. She’s nervous about...going backwards. And honestly I am too. Where are you, Dr. Sadler? What the fuck is going on?
SUBWAY ANNOUNCER VOICE
East Broadway. Let em off, please. Stand clear of the closing doors.
The car is suddenly quiet.
CHARLIE
Huh. That’s weird. Everyone just left the train. Its completely empty.
The doors ding and close.
SUBWAY ANNOUNCER VOICE
East River. Next stop East River. The old Light Bulb Factory. Doors open on the right.
CHARLIE
There’s no East River stop on the F train. The next stop is York Street.
SUBWAY ANNOUNCER VOICE
Hey, stay in your lane buddy. I’m driving.
CHARLIE
Did you hear that doc? The train conductor is talking to me now. Great. And we’re stopping at a station that doesn’t exist, somewhere underneath the East River. So yeah, the situation is not normal.
SUBWAY ANNOUNCER VOICE
East River. Doors open on the left. Let em out let em out.
CHARLIE
I’m not sure what to do here.
SUBWAY ANNOUNCER VOICE
Stand clear--
We hear the ding and the doors start to shut. Charlie says:
CHARLIE
Wait!
...and tries to hold the doors. We hear him struggle.
SUBWAY ANNOUNCER VOICE
Hey no holding the doors back there. York Street Next. Stand clear.
The train starts moving again. Charlie continues.
CHARLIE
Shit. Shit shit shit shit. I’m sorry, Doc. I really want to find you, I do. And I didn’t go into the basement, and now I missed my stop for the Old Factory. But I really can’t miss my date with Inés, man! I mean, a chance like this does not come around often!
He’s starting to break down a bit.
CHARLIE
Where’d you go Doctor Sadler? And why is this happening? I mean... life has been weird enough since I started having these stupid hallucinations when I was a kid. But this, I don’t know. I think this is more than I can take.
SUBWAY ANNOUNCER VOICE
York street. Doors open on the left. Stand clear.
Somebody gets on the train with a boombox, there’s a dope beat in the background.
CHARLIE
I’m doing the best I can here, but its very fucking confusing.
SUBWAY ANNOUNCER VOICE
Jay street, Borough Hall. Transfers available for A, C and R trains. Next Stop Bergen Street. Stand clear of the closing doors.
The music takes over until we get to the end of his ride in Red Hook. The train doors open and he shuffles out onto the platform, walks through the turnstile and up the stairs onto the street.
EXT STREET BROOKLYN - DAY
Charlie’s phone rings, its Susan.
CHARLIE
Hi Susan!
SUSAN
Charlie. There you are. Listen, I got these wireless LED lightbulbs coming in and these guys all up on my dick. Can you help me out?
CHARLIE
What do you need?
SUSAN
Its a translation from the Japanese manual, but their guy in Tokyo did it, and it’s pretty much word salad, you know? Its like when I guy gets shot in the head with an arrow? And he can walk and talk but he doesn’t recognize his wife’s face? Its like that guy wrote it.
CHARLIE
Yikes. Ok, so how many pages?
SUSAN
Two hundred and sixteen.
CHARLIE
Two hundred and sixteen pages. For a light bulb?
SUSAN
Modern times, Charlie.
CHARLIE
Yeah its getting weirder, isn’t it?
SUSAN
Every goddamn day. Look, I need this quick- can you do it by Tuesday?
CHARLIE
Tuesday end of day, you’ll have it Wednesday morning when you get in.
SUSAN
Ok, I can make that work. Thanks Charlie. Get this one right and maybe I can get you some of that juicy text book work.
CHARLIE
Don’t tease me, Susan. I’m in a fragile place right now.
SUSAN
No I’m serious. I have a whole sophomore english curriculum heading my way. Work book and text book combo. A combo, Charlie.
CHARLIE
I’m going to hold you to it.
SUSAN
Let’s get this light bulb thing out of the way first. The guys from the factory are breathing down my neck.
CHARLIE
The factory?
SUSAN
The light bulb factory, yeah. Ok gotta run. You’re the best. I’m emailing you now.
She hangs up abruptly, not like she’s ever hung up the phone any other way-- she’s not a lingerer.
INT. RED LOBSTER - EVENING
He arrives at the Red Lobster, goes in through the front door, and addresses the HOSTESS
CHARLIE
Hi. I’m meeting someone- I think I’m a bit early though.
HOSTESS
Ok great. How many will you be?
CHARLIE
(Being adorable because he’s excited)
Two, there’s two of us. Its a date.
HOSTESS
That’s nice.
CHARLIE
So nice.
HOSTESS
What name should I put down?
CHARLIE
Charlie. Its Charlie. What’s yours?
HOSTESS
I don’t have one.
CHARLIE
What?
Charlie realizes this is the person he’s supposed to meet- the “woman with no name.’
CHARLIE
Ohhhhh, ok. Wink wink.
HOSTESS
(in a hushed voice)
Be cool, man!
(hostess voice again)
Great! Shouldn’t be a wait, just let me know when your party gets here.
CHARLIE
I love that word.
HOSTESS
Huh?
CHARLIE
Party. Its amazingly flexible for a little throw away word. Its a noun, its a verb. A group of people, a celebration, a team... I mean is anything less of a party than the Donner Party?
HOSTESS
You ARE weird. I mean, they told me you were weird, but man. Listen, take this.
She hands him something.
CHARLIE
Oh is this the thing that vibrates and flashes when our table is ready?
HOSTESS
Yeah well normally that’s what they’re for. But we need to talk. When this goes off, go to the men’s room.
CHARLIE
(whispering)
Really? Are you with... the--
HOSTESS
You have GOT to watch what you say, Charlie. They’re listening all the time. It doesn’t matter how you get your point across, just don’t drop any keywords.
CHARLIE
Like The Aren--- Areola?
HOSTESS
Yeah! You got it. Nice one.
She walks away.
INÉS
Charlie?
CHARLIE
Inés! Hi! Hello. Wow, you look amazing.
INÉS
I do? I mean- thanks! This is what I wore to work today.
CHARLIE
Exactly. You pretty much always look amazing. Like even when you’re wearing those gigantic sweatpants.
INÉS
Got it. No more sweatpants.
CHARLIE
Shit. That sounded bad. What I mean is... Some people think they have to get dressed up to feel good about themselves. And you don’t. And that’s cool.
INÉS
So you like girl-next-door types and Red Lobster. Weird combo.
HOSTESS
Hi, table for two? Right this way.
INÉS
Thanks.
CHARLIE
Thanks, uh... what did you say your name is?
HOSTESS
Aw aren’t you sweet. I think this one’s a keeper, honey. Here you go, table for two. And the drink menu. I like the mojito, its like a secret doorway to a good time!
They settle into the booth. Generic pop and RnB play in the background, its busy with families and couples because its Saturday night.
CHARLIE
Did you notice that she didn’t tell me her name?
INÉS
No. Is that weird?
CHARLIE
Kind of. I asked for her name and she dodged the question.
INÉS
Huh.
CHARLIE
I mean, she gets to know everyone’s name- she’s the hostess. Every single person who comes in here has to tell her their name. That’s power.
INÉS
Definitely. She’s the gate keeper.
CHARLIE
Like St. Peter.
INÉS
At the Pearly gates of lobster?
CHARLIE
Yeah, surrounded by little cupids holding crab legs.
INÉS
And glistening with warm butter.
CHARLIE
Wowza. That’s hot. I mean, except that cupids are babies.
INÉS
Oops. I got creepy. I think I’m hungry.
RED LOBSTER WAITER
Hi guys! Can I get you something to drink? Some appetizers maybe?
CHARLIE
What would you like?
INÉS
I’d like a glass of white wine, please.
CHARLIE
And a beer for me.
RED LOBSTER WAITER
Great, great. I’ll be right back with those.
CHARLIE
I didn’t take you for a white wine drinker.
INÉS
Really? What did you think I’d order?
CHARLIE
Good question. I can’t say I’d had anything specific in mind... Mostly, when I see you, I think of coffee.
INÉS
You do drink a lot of coffee.
CHARLIE
Hey don’t judge me! You can’t have a bartender count your drinks.
INÉS
I know, I know, no judgement. Safe place.
They’re having fun, and Charlie shifts the tone to a playful getting-down-to-business type feel.
CHARLIE
So, I really want to know more about you. Let’s get into this.
INÉS
Let’s do it.
CHARLIE
Family?
INÉS
Yes, I have one.
CHARLIE
Great, good first step. Where did you grow up.
INÉS
I grew up in a place that is beyond time and space.
CHARLIE
Pardon me?
INÉS
I grew up in a mathematical construct where synaptic connections move at the speed of light, so space itself doesn’t really exist.
RED LOBSTER WAITER
Here are those drinks! There you go.
He puts them on the table.
RED LOBSTER WAITER
And have you thought about what you’d like? Do you need a few more minutes? Can you maybe keep your mouth shut?
CHARLIE
(to the waiter)
Excuse me?!
INÉS
(ignores all of this)
I’m starving! The Maine lobster for me.
RED LOBSTER WAITER
Ok and for sides we have Baked Potato or salad?
INÉS
Baked potato, hands down.
RED LOBSTER WAITER
Great. And for you sir?
CHARLIE
Surf and Turf. But I want fries.
RED LOBSTER WAITER
Surf and Turf with fries ok ok! And how do you want your steak?
CHARLIE
Medium rare.
RED LOBSTER WAITER
(said slowly while writing it down)
Medium rare. Got it. And nothing to start? Some zucchini sticks maybe?
CHARLIE
Up to you M’Lady.
INÉS
We’re good, thanks.
CHARLIE
So wait, where are you from exactly?
INÉS
Rhode Island.
CHARLIE
So not beyond time and space.
INÉS
Well, have you ever been to Rhode Island? Its pretty weird. The smallest state in the union, with the longest name.
CHARLIE
Oh right I did know that- its, uh..
INÉS
The State of Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations.
CHARLIE
(together with Inés)
...and the Providence Plantations.
Amazing. Weird that the word ‘plantation’ still gets any play.
INÉS
Yeah, kind of tainted by now right?
CHARLIE
I’d say that’s a yes.
INÉS
Plus Providence is the only state capitol that elected a felon to Mayor -- same guy -- on all three tickets, Republican, Democrat, and Independent.
CHARLIE
So you’re saying they play by their own rules.
INÉS
Or no rules at all.
CHARLIE
And what brought you down here?
INÉS
School. And then grad school.
CHARLIE
Secondary degree, very nice. What did you study?
INÉS
Its pretty nerdy.
CHARLIE
I like nerdy. I speak nerd.
INÉS
Prime Spirals and Sphere Eversion in Dynamical Systems.
The buzzer starts ringing.
INÉS
What’s that?
CHARLIE
Excuse me a second, I have to bring this back. But I want to keep talking about the, uh, Sphere Eversions.
He gets up.
INT. RED LOBSTER KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
We follow Charlie walking through the restaurant towards the back.
CHARLIE
Which way are the restrooms?
RED LOBSTER WAITER
Oh right back there, to the left.
CHARLIE
Thanks.
More walking, the sounds of the patrons fade a bit.
HOSTESS
Psst. In here!
CHARLIE
Oh there you--
She grabs his arm and pulls him into the kitchen.
HOSTESS
We don’t have a lot of time.
CHARLIE
Ow that’s my arm. That hurts.
HOSTESS
Listen. We want to help you, we do. But the more we say, the more likely that you’ll get flagged.
CHARLIE
Get flagged?
HOSTESS
Meaning someone will notice. We can’t have any significant disruptions in your... routine.
CHARLIE
I don’t understand.
HOSTESS
The real question is, do you want to find Sadler, or do you want to find the truth? Sadler’s offline for now. I don’t know for how long. But that gives us some time.
CHARLIE
I want to find both. The truth is great and all, but I need my meds, and Dr Sadler, he really helped me.
HOSTESS
This is going to be harder than I thought.
A new voice enters the conversation, the line cook is a middle aged Puerto Rican man, MARCELLO.
MARCELLO
Charlie, my friend. Its a great pleasure to meet you.
CHARLIE
He’s in this too?
MARCELLO
We all are.
Suddenly he yells:
MARCELLO
ARENA OR DEATH!
And all the line cooks and everyone else in the kitchen suddenly yell back, in perfect cadence:
ALL
ARENA FOR LIFE!
MARCELLO
My name is Marcello. I’m the leader of the Arena.
CHARLIE
(gently)
Do you mind...
MARCELLO
What?
CHARLIE
Can I touch you? Sometimes that’s the only way I know if things are real.
MARCELLO
Sure. Go ahead.
CHARLIE
Wow you have really soft skin.
MARCELLO
That’s enough, there you go. But look, we don’t have time to go into it today, you have to get back out there. Just know- you’re looking for more than Dr Sadler. A lot more. And...
HOSTESS
There’s more to Sadler than you may want to know.
MARCELLO
We can take care of the meds for all his patients, you and Amber, Pauline, everyone.
CHARLIE
For real? Are you sure? That guy at the pharmacy hates my guts, man.
MARCELLO
Yeah, Mahmoud is a dick.
CHARLIE
Tell me about it. Wait you know Mahmoud?
MARCELLO
Don’t worry, we have it taken care of. Everyone wants you and Sadler’s patients to be ok. That’s what this is all about. But if you want to find the truth, the next step is the Old Factory.
CHARLIE
Fuck. You mean the one that’s apparently hiding beneath the east river?
MARCELLO
Yeah. That’s the one. I’m surprised you know about it.
CHARLIE
On my way here, the train stopped at the East River stop. Which doesn’t exist. I thought it was just something my brain made up.
MARCELLO
Its real. And I think, we all think, that if you see what’s there, you’ll be ready to take the next step.
HOSTESS
We’ll contact you again. There’s so much more to say...
MARCELLO
But for now, just act normal.
CHARLIE
Well, that’s pretty much what I’ve been doing my whole life. I’m super good at acting normal.
MARCELLO
And... have a nice date, ok? I sent you guys some apps. On the house.
CHARLIE
Oh thanks that’s really nice. But, why did the guy at the coffee shop say Inés isn’t what she seems?
MARCELLO
No time. Go.
HOSTESS
Go! Now!
INT. RED LOBSTER - CONTINUOUS
Charlie comes back from the kitchen where The Arena have just made first contact. Meanwhile, Inés is waiting for him at the table.
INÉS
Are you ok?
CHARLIE
What? Yeah I’m fine, why?
INÉS
That took, like, a really long time.
CHARLIE
Oh, yeah, sorry about that. I had some street meat last night, really got me.
INÉS
Ew.
CHARLIE
Oh come on-- everyone’s had street meat butt before. You’re telling me you’ve never peed out your butt from iffy street cart food?
INÉS
Well, sure, but I don’t generally go into on a first date.
CHARLIE
Well this is good, we’re moving into the real talk phase. I like it. What was the worst poop-related incident in your life. Ever.
INÉS
Really? We’re doing this.
CHARLIE
Fully.
INÉS
God. I don’t know if I want to go there...
CHARLIE
Bring it on.
INÉS
Ok, ok. I mean, I know what it is, its tattooed on my psyche.
She takes a deep breath, a sip of her wine.
INÉS
I was with a group of friends, and we were new to... new to the city. We had never done much drinking, I mean alcohol. So we got a bunch of something, it was awful whatever it was, and got hammered, I mean shit faced. We all passed out, right, total light weights, and I guess I got up in the middle of the night and took a shit- I don’t remember any of this- I took a shit in the corner of the living room.
CHARLIE
Oh man. I’ve peed in the hamper before, but that’s next level.
INÉS
Well that would have been bad enough, but... My friend is kind of neat freak and... they had a Roomba.
CHARLIE
No!
INÉS
Oh yes. And the Roomba had been very busy, spreading that shit ALL around the house. In a mathematically perfect pattern.
CHARLIE
It has like an optimized flight path to spread the shit.
INÉS
Its Cartesian. It spread that little turd over every square inch of the place. It took days to clean.
CHARLIE
You’re never living that down.
INÉS
Nope. Definitely not. Its my scarlet letter.
CHARLIE
Brown letter.
INÉS
Ew.
The waiter comes by.
RED LOBSTER WAITER
How are you guys doing? Another glass of wine maybe?
INÉS
I’m good for now.
CHARLIE
Me too, thanks.
RED LOBSTER WAITER
You got it.
CHARLIE
Its strange right? An embarrassing poop related situation, it can leave a scar.
INÉS
Oh definitely. Why is that?
CHARLIE
I don’t know exactly. Maybe because it reminds us of being kids, and all the vulnerability that comes with that stuff?
INÉS
Ah. Ok, interesting. I was never a child, so I don’t really know what that’s like.
CHARLIE
Wait what? I thought you grew up in Rhode Island.
INÉS
I was created, duplicated really, from a preexisting, fully formed functional model. Over time, I differentiated myself from the other models by virtue of my experiences having created a random input set, but basically, I was already what you would call a grown up.
Charlie’s phone dings.
CHARLIE
Oh shit. That’s my friend Amber. She’s, uh, in a delicate place. I know its rude but can I check this?
INÉS
Not at all, I think its really sweet the way you guys take care of each other. Its cute.
CHARLIE
It is?
He’s happy to hear this.
INÉS
Yeah. You are.
He listens to a voicemail Amber left him, which she leaves in the next Episode, about her boss being a robot.
AMBER
Charlie? Its me. Look, my boss is definitely 100% a robot. In fact, I’m starting to get the feeling that everyone is a robot. Not you, you’re cool. But everyone else. And Ms Carlisle has replicant all over her. No doubt. Anyway. Hope you’re having fun on your date. Let’s meet up tomorrow, I want the full details, ok? Detailed activity log. That’s what I’m about.
INÉS
How’s Amber?
CHARLIE
She’s ok. Well kind of. Look, I’m sorry, can we go back a second to where you were saying you were never a child?
INÉS
I just mean I always felt like a grown up. Not a particularly mature one, that’s for sure, but, yeah. I just never felt like a kid.
CHARLIE
Oh. I guess I heard that a bit differently.
INÉS
I get that sometimes. Maybe I mumble.
CHARLIE
No, I wouldn’t say that. You actually have very lovely diction.
INÉS
You’re kind to notice. So, Amber. She’s ok?
CHARLIE
She’s just... she’s in a bit of a tough spot right now. She’s been off her meds for a few days and things can get a bit confusing.
INÉS
What’s she confused about?
CHARLIE
Well. This sounds worse than it is, I promise, but she’s convinced her boss is a robot.
INÉS
Yeah that sounds bad.
CHARLIE
It sounds terrible! But I swear, she has a good grip on reality most of the time, and she’s honestly one of the most grounded, sane people I’ve ever met in my life. I mean, she’s good, like a really good person. All the way deep down. She’s just... solid.
INÉS
How did you guys meet?
CHARLIE
Actually...
He sighs, wondering how deep to go into it.
CHARLIE
Fuck it. We met at a group therapy session. Its a group that meets once a month, people who all have the same very rare illness. Its nothing serious- sounds serious, but its no big deal, really.
INÉS
So you have this illness too?
CHARLIE
Yeah. Very mild though, barely notice it.
INÉS
You don’t like talking about this, do you?
CHARLIE
Not really. Ha. Is that weird? I can talk about shameful poop accidents but I can’t talk about being sick.
INÉS
Well actually you didn’t talk about poop accidents, you just made me talk about them, so you’re 0 for 2.
CHARLIE
Well which do you want? General human frailty, or potty jokes?
RED LOBSTER WAITER
How are we doing? Can I take these plates?
CHARLIE
I’m done.
RED LOBSTER WAITER
Great. And you?
INÉS
I’m stuffed, thanks.
RED LOBSTER WAITER
Do you want to take that home? I can box it up for you.
INÉS
No, no I’m good thanks.
RED LOBSTER WAITER
How about some dessert?
Inés wants dessert, but she doesn’t want to say yes, so she hums and haws.
CHARLIE
I like chocolate. Do you like chocolate?
INÉS
I do. I like it a lot.
CHARLIE
(to the waiter)
What are the options?
RED LOBSTER WAITER
Well we have the Chocolate Wave, and the Brownie Overboard.
INÉS
Really sticking with the Nautical theme, huh.
CHARLIE
Inés I’m scared for the brownie. He’s gone overboard.
INÉS
We should help.
RED LOBSTER WAITER
Coming right up.
Music comes up, announcing the romance sparking between Inés and Charlie.
EXT BROOKLYN STREET - NIGHT
We hear the sound of them leaving Red Lobster and the music fades out as they walk out onto the street.
CHARLIE
Wow. I have a whole new take on Red Lobster now.
INÉS
I know, right? My lobster was actually pretty good.
CHARLIE
***Where do you live? Are you taking the train?
INÉS
I live in a loft with some friends, in an old light bulb factory, actually. Its cool. Its off the F train. You’re taking the F, right?
CHARLIE
Yeah.
INÉS
Well, let’s go.
They start walking.
CHARLIE
So wait, its light bulb factory?
INÉS
Uh huh. I guess so. Its been converted now, so its just poorly built apartments filled with guys who ride fixed gear bikes and wax their mustaches.
CHARLIE
That’s weird...
INÉS
I’ll say.
CHARLIE
No, I mean, the light bulb thing. I’m a copywriter- I proof read manuals for stuff. I’m working on a manual for a light bulb right now.
INÉS
A light bulb needs a manual?
CHARLIE
Its one of those multi-colored, wifi connected LED’s so... Yeah. 216 pages. Its totally insane.
They walk down into the subway.
INT. SUBWAY - CONTINUOUS
A train is coming. They hurry to make it through the turnstile in time.
INÉS
Hurry up!
CHARLIE
My card isn’t working. Shit.
INÉS
Come on, Charlie!
SUBWAY ANNOUNCER VOICE
This is Smith Street. Next stop Carroll. Stand clear.
CHARLIE
Fuck it.
He jumps the turnstile and runs onto the train.
INÉS
Did you just jump the turnstile?
CHARLIE
Well, yeah. It wouldn’t take my card.
INÉS
You broke the law.
CHARLIE
I’m dangerous.
INÉS
That is so hot.
You hear them making out.
CHARLIE
Wow. Kiss me again.
INÉS
No! You gotta pay the toll, Charlie. Poop story or human frailty. You’re choice.
CHARLIE
Oh man.
INÉS
We have to keep the balance here!
CHARLIE
Ok ok. Fuck. Well, alright, I’ll go with the human frailty thing. Ugh. Ok. I have a rare disorder, its called Acute Hypo Ocular blah blah. Basically, I have hallucinations. I see things that aren’t there.
INÉS
Oh no. How long have you had it?
CHARLIE
Since I was a kid. I think it started when I was 12 or 13. But I’m not sure- maybe some of the things I remember from when I was younger, maybe they’re not real. Its hard to say.
INÉS
That’s sounds tough.
CHARLIE
Well, I learned to keep it to myself. Kids are mean, you know, so by the time I got to high school I learned how to keep my mouth shut. And the stuff I see, its not really evil, or scary, most of the time, its just... weird. So I can usually hide it if I need to.
SUBWAY ANNOUNCER VOICE
Jay Street, Borough Hall. Next stop York St. Last stop in Brooklyn. Stand clear of the closing doors.
INÉS
So like, what do you see. Give me an example.
CHARLIE
Oh its been changing. When I was younger I saw people, people that weren’t there. Then I went through a phase where I kept seeing the sets from TV shows- like, suddenly I’d be at that coffee shop on Friends.
INÉS
Central Perk?!
CHARLIE
Yeah. Yeah I know seems cool, but its genuinely not that great. And now, lately, I’ve been seeing these weird woodland scenes. Trees, a forest, deer. Little birds.
INÉS
You seem pretty ok with it. Or is that just you putting on a brave face?
CHARLIE
Well that’s complicated...
INÉS
Come on. Real talk.
CHARLIE
Ok, ok I’m trying! Its just, there’s a lot of sides to it.
INÉS
Its a dodecahedron.
CHARLIE
A what?
INÉS
Oh, its a twenty sided die they use in dungeons and dragons.
CHARLIE
Oh my god you’re such a nerd!
INÉS
Ah fuck my secret’s out.
CHARLIE
I actually know what a dodecahedron is. I used to play D’n’D. Some of us dorks just stop short of getting advanced degrees in math.
The train slows down.
SUBWAY ANNOUNCER VOICE
York Street. Last stop in Brooklyn. Stand clear, doors closing.
INÉS
So... stop changing the subject.
CHARLIE
Ok. This is what its like- mostly my life is pretty normal, and when I see stuff, its distracting, but I’m used to it, and it doesn’t give me a heart attack or anything. But, then, I keep having to ask myself if things are real. And usually its not subtle... like I’ll see George Washington walking through my apartment and I go, ok, that’s definitely not actually there. But still, I have to evaluate what’s real and what’s not, all the time, everyday. And its kind of exhausting, you know what I mean? Its just- everything has to be sorted through... real? Not real? What pile do I put it in?
INÉS
I can see how that would wipe you out.
CHARLIE
And lately, it’s been a bit harder to tell the difference. The things Im seeing, and hearing, they’re so real, and so... almost possible.
INÉS
And that’s new?
CHARLIE
Yeah. Pretty much since my shrink went missing.
INÉS
So he hasn’t reappeared yet?
CHARLIE
Nope. He’s totally MIA. And things are starting to go off the rails.
INÉS
I can’t believe he didn’t, like, leave you a message or write you an email. It must be something really serious, like a family emergency maybe?
CHARLIE
Yeah that’s what I thought... but still. He’s always been really reliable- he’s never cancelled an appointment, or gone away on a holiday, or anything. He’s solid. Like, robotic.
INÉS
Well, even robots have bad days.
The subway car has gotten quieter since York street, subtly, not calling attention to itself.
SUBWAY ANNOUNCER VOICE
East River. Exit on the left.
CHARLIE
Not again.
INÉS
What?
CHARLIE
There’s no train stop under the East River, is there? It goes from York street to East Broadway.
INÉS
(like its obvious)
Yeah there is. The East River stop. Sometimes. Its always hard to tell if you’re on the right fucking train! This is me, I live right near here.
She gives him a kiss as the train comes to a full stop.
CHARLIE
Wait you live here? At the East river Stop?
INÉS
Yeah. Oh- gotta go!
CHARLIE
Can we do this again?
INÉS
We fucking better. Call me.
The doors close.
SUBWAY ANNOUNCER VOICE
Next stop East Broadway. Nice work Charlie.
CHARLIE
Thanks.
SUBWAY ANNOUNCER VOICE
You’re welcome.