Under the Street Lamp

M: (looking down at the paper walks slowly towards the girl in the pearls)

G: (stares very wide eyed in a scared way)

M: Excuse me miss, I’m trying to find South Avenue,

G: (stares wide eyed at the man, but says nothing)

M: Could you direct me..

G: No, I’m sorry I’m not from here.

M: (nods and walks back to the other side of the lamp.)

G: (Stares at M as he walks away and tugs awkwardly at the end of her pencil skirt) I know where North Avenue is.. (she calls after him)

M: (smiling and chuckling quietly) Oh, I do too. That’s where I came from.

G: (Offended, snaps her head to stare the other way.)

M: I’m just trying to get to my daughter’s house. I haven’t been to this city before, so I’m a bit lost.

G: (still staring off in the distance)

M: I realize that it’s not likely, but I wonder if you might know her?

G: (Looks up to match his eyes.)

M: Her name’s Melissa Lowell. I was supposed to meet her here today, but I think I may have written the directions wrong.

G: I know her.

M: You do?! Do you know where I can find her?

G: (stares blankly back at him)

M: Maybe you have anyway I can contact her?

G: So you’re the dad?

M: (looks stunned but moves closer to engage further) Yes, I’m coming here to meet her.

G: (almost yelling) Why now? She is 24 now. What’s the point?

M: Well I thought..

G: She’s lived her life this far without any of your help.  Why do you choose now to start a relationship?

M: I don’t know..(starts backing up)

G: (yelling now) You’re selfish, unworthy, and have no right to be a father!

M: Melissa..

G: no! I want nothing to do with you! I have a child, who doesn't know her grandfather, I didn’t have anyone to give me away at my wedding! I-

M: (hugs her while she cries into his shoulder.) Melie, I am so so sorry.

    (Long pause while they hug. Then she pulls back and looks at him)

G: I have your nose. And your eyes.  And still, you didn’t recognize me.  

M: (stares back)

G: (walks away from lamppost onto south avenue leaving him standing)