SURVIVING THE REAL WORLD
Cookie
OLD LADY is sitting on the couch, reading a book titled "Surviving the Real World". YOUNG GIRL is off to the side on the ground, playing with some crayons, a stuffed animal in hand. THE WOMAN storms into her office, visibly miffed from her previous meeting.
OLD LADY: Meeting didn't go well, I take it.
THE WOMAN: (collapses onto her desk chair) The board wants to push the project, despite the fact that it's going to contribute largely to the climate crisis and completely jeopardize the livelihood of the people living in the area. I'm talking genetic mutations, cancer -- and that's the bright side. And all for what? A good payday?
OLD LADY: 1.5 billion is a little more than a good payday.
THE WOMAN: (ignoring the snide remark) The meeting is going to resume again, and I need to think of what to do.
The Woman walks over to the Young Girl.
THE WOMAN: Hey there sweetheart, what have you been working on?
YOUNG GIRL: Me and Mr. Snuffles have been making a picture.
THE WOMAN: Oh really? What of?
YOUNG GIRL: Can't you understand it?
THE WOMAN: Oh, uh, of course I can! I just want you to explain it.
YOUNG GIRL: Oh, okay! (smiling brightly) this is you saving the world, and that's Mr. Snuffles, our sidekick -- oh, what's that Mr. Snuffles (listening to the stuffed animal) okay, fine. (To The Woman) Mr. Snuffles is actually going to be our partner.
THE WOMAN: (letting out a small laugh) Alright Mr. Snuffles, if you say so.
She leaves the Young Girl, and stands in front of the board detailing profit margins. She then walks over to her desk, and picks up a folder leafing through the information, while pacing around and muttering to herself.
OLD LADY: If only your parents had walked instead of taking a car that fateful day -- I'm sure times like these, they are rolling in their graves.
THE WOMAN: (stops abruptly) How can you say such a thing?
OLD LADY: Look at you. Prancing around like a mindless fool (she closes the book and stands). Do you think that this is what they would have wanted? For you to run this company to the ground because you have this ridiculous dream of saving the world?
THE WOMAN: I only want to --
OLD LADY: Bring shame to the family name!? There is no room for such nonsense in business.
THE WOMAN: (progressively getting louder) And so what? I should just let this happen? Jeopardize the livelihoods of thousands of families --
INTERN brages in, looking disheveled and clutching papers to his chest. The Woman sighs, having dealt with this many times before.
THE WOMAN: What have I told you about knocking?
INTERN: Oh, uh, sorry m -- ma'am
He hurriedly steps back outside and shuts the door. Seconds later knocking is heard. The Woman rubs her hands over her face.
THE WOMAN: Come in
He does sheepishly, looking around the room. He is unable to see the Old Lady and Young Girl, despite them being in plain view.
YOU ARE READING
Surviving the Real World
Short StoryOLD LADY: My god, you've killed her (pause). If you ask me, it's about damn time you grew up. ___________ A woman faces a dilemma between youthful aspirations and the expectations of adulthood.
