Heather, a 30 year 0ld businesswoman, having isolated herself for her career is on a journey to be more social. She finds herself sitting at a bus stop next to Jeremy, a 22 year old unemployed man high on shrooms.

HEATHER

(turning and smiling)

Good afternoon

JEREMY

Hey, ma’am

Heather and Jeremy sit there for a moment in silence.

HEATHER

I’m sorry to bother you, but would you happen to have the time? I seemed to have left my phone at home.

JEREMY

Nah, sorry I don’t own one.

HEATHER

Oh haha, you don’t see many people without a phone these days.

JEREMY

They got a real hold on people.

HEATHER

Yeah, phones sure do…

JEREMY

No, not phones, the government!

HEATHER

Oh, the government? Well…uh yeah I…um suppose they do too.

JEREMY

That’s how they get you, yknow. With the phones! First, they get everyone to depend on phones, then they get you hooked on social media, track your location, and you know what’s next?

HEATHER

No…

JEREMY

Clones! Powered by the phones that have all our data and have recreated our entire personalities using AI. That’s why I don’t have one, yknow.

HEATHER

Well…um…yes I guess that makes sense.

They sit there in silence again

JEREMY

So where you off to? Work or something?

HEATHER

No, just meeting with some family.

JEREMY

Oh yeah, that’s cool. I would’ve definitely guessed work though.

(beat)

You wear clothes like that all the time?

HEATHER

Not all the time…

JEREMY

Oh ok yeah that’s real cool, man. Well, I mean woman. Or, well I don’t wanna assume.

HEATHER

Woman is fine.

JEREMY

Ok ok cool, woman.

(stops then giggles)

Yeah, that sounded terrible actually.

Heather sighs and then begins giggling too, which turns into a giggling fit.

HEATHER

Well, anyway, my name is Heather, you can call me that instead.

JEREMY

(extends hands for a handshake)

Nice to meet you, Heather.

HEATHER

(shakes his hand)

What’s your name?

JEREMY

(still shaking hands)

I don’t disclose that kinda information.

HEATHER

Why not?

Jeremy stops shaking her hand and pulls her in close

JEREMY

(whispers)

The government.

HEATHER

Oh yes, you’re right I totally forgot…the government. Well, what can I call you?

JEREMY

My friends call me JMoney, but you can call me 957-34-6550.

HEATHER

(blushing)

I thought you said you didn’t have a phone.

JEREMY

I don’t. That’s what they call me.

HEATHER

Wait, who’s they?

Heather’s face lights up.

HEATHER & JEREMY (in unison)

The Government!!!

JEREMY

Yeah, you catch on quick!

(sound of bus coming to a stop)

JEREMY

Well, that’s for me. Nice meeting you, Heather.

HEATHER

Yeah, nice meeting you too. It’s a shame you don’t have a phone though, talking to you was fun.

JEREMY

Don’t worry, we’ll meet again.

HEATHER

Where?

JEREMY

Oh, you know. Around.

Jeremy exits stage leaving Heather alone.

HEATHER

(to audience)

Did he really just give me his social security number?