WILT
I don’t really like to talk about it.
JASMINE
I’m sorry. I was just-
WILT
Don’t be. It’s a fair question.
JASMINE
It’s just confusing that’s all. You don’t act anything like him.
WILT
(Sigh) For most of my life I’ve had a rather intimate relationship with failure and disappointment. It’s gotten to the point where I have a hard time getting excited about anything anymore. Time after time I’ve gotten my hopes up and then been cut down before my life could build any momentum. But no matter how often I hit rock bottom, Duke has always been right down there next to me. It may not be the healthiest relationship but at the end of the day, he’s my only friend.
JASMINE
Have you ever considered that maybe Duke is the one holding you back?
WILT
That may be true, but I still can’t abandon him.
(Pause)
JASMINE
You know, we in the Order of Aphrodite are very devout. If you give us the Heart we might be able to commune with the goddess and persuade her to lessen Duke’s punishment. At the very least we should be able to shield him from some of her power.
WILT
If you really think that you can do that then I guess I trust you.
(Wilt holds out his hand to shake. Jasmine cautiously grasps the hand but does not shake it.)
JASMINE
Come on. Let’s go save your friend.