Contrivances

- I could stay here forever. -- What do you mean? - Just lying here. Listening to music. Inhale Sigh -- Ah crap. - What? Movement - What is that grin? Movement - And now why are you hiding? ... Oh. Movement - It's that look. -- Yeah. - I know that look. -- Yeah.…

I'm going to write a preface, and I'm going to be pragmatic about it. Being single, mentally ill and creative means dealing with sexual frustration and emotional isolation will always be an exercise in the stupid. You were expecting a more sophisticated word with more syllables but I'm happy with...

- You look tired. -- You look tired. - I am tired. I've been on my feet all day. -- Yeah. It was a good day though. - Still is. -- Your sister's kids are great. - They are. Do you want a cup of tea? Pause -- I don't know if I have the…

- Can I ask you something? -- No, of-course not. Stare Laughter - I just realised how stupid that sounds. -- No you knew already, you're just more afraid of this question in particular than any other you might want to ask. - Hmm. Stare - How insightful. Do you know what the question is?…

- Yeah so hey, we have a problem. -- Sorry what? - What do you mean sorry what? -- No because I actually wasn't listening to you. - Jesus. -- I'm listening now, I'm listening. - We have a problem. -- Ah... yes. Yes we do. I believe you're right. - What was that hesitation?…

- Hello? -- Hello. Pause -- Hi. Pause Machine noise -- You're not hanging-up. - I've not been dismissed. Pause Noise -- You'll wait for me? - Hm? -- ... to speak. - Yes. Pause Noise Noise Noise -- Just like that, yes. - Yes. Noise -- Come tonight. - What's tonight? -- It doesn't…

Enters Turns head to view the entrant Movement Lowering to sit Stare - Keep going with what you're doing. Blink - It's alright. Go on. Turns Movement Perhaps typing Perhaps writing Perhaps reading Lean forward Press lips to bare shoulder Pause Shifting of weight - No no. Inhale - No. Gentle shake...

After a very long silence A laugh -- What? - I just realised something... anyway it's stupid. Pause -- OK. The sensation of small pressures against the bare skin of the back - Mmmm. And again - It's that. Eyelashes against the skin -- What? Open eyes in the darkness Inhale through the nose Push&h...

(I need this today. I will share it with you). - OK bye. -- No wait... Leo... - What. -- Don't go. - What? -- Don't go. - ... What? Pause Stare - No. -- Come out with me. - No. -- Come-on Leo just come out with me. - Listen, Tori... -- No no…

I remember staring at you Standing in the street by the car in the darkness Staring Not moving And how I wanted to touch you Wanted to taste your mouth It took every ounce of will in my body to be still I wanted to clutch you But I didn't want to move Indulging in…