INT. AIRPORT TERMINAL — DAY. A stranger sits down next to a man trying to finish his audiobook. She offers chips. He declines. She keeps talking.
INT. AIRPORT TERMINAL — DAY
CASSANDRA spots an open seat next to WILL who has his airpods in and is listening to an audiobook. CASSANDRA approaches WILL.
CASSANDRA
Hi. Is this seat taken?
WILL
No, go ahead.
CASSANDRA
Thanks.
[beat]
CASSANDRA
I'm Cassandra.
WILL takes his airpods out.
WILL
Huh?
CASSANDRA
I'm Cassandra.
WILL
Oh. I'm Will.
CASSANDRA
Nice to meet you.
WILL
You too.
WILL proceeds to put his airpods back in, but CASSANDRA continues speaking to him.
CASSANDRA
You going to Los Angeles, too, huh?
WILL
Yes.
CASSANDRA
Business or pleasure?
WILL
Both.
CASSANDRA
Nice. Are you from there?
WILL
Born and raised.
CASSANDRA
Ah, lucky guy. I always wanted to live there and then I finally did and I kinda hate it now. It's so expensive.
WILL
To each their own I guess.
CASSANDRA
Moved out there to be an actress. How many times have you heard that one, huh?
WILL
Yeah, many times.
CASSANDRA
Still holding out though. Oh, that reminds me, I need to charge my phone.
CASSANDRA motions to the outlet he's using.
CASSANDRA
Do you mind? Pardon my reach.
She leans over to plug in her charger, invading WILL's personal space.
CASSANDRA
Sorry. I got an older model so the battery's always running out.
WILL
It's okay.
CASSANDRA
Thanks.
[beat]
She pulls out a bag of chips from her purse. She opens the bag and eats a chip or two before she remembers to offer him some.
CASSANDRA
Oh sorry! Where are my manners? You want some?
WILL
No, I'm fine. Thanks.
CASSANDRA
I took a chance on this flavor but y'know, they're not that bad. For $6, they better be good.
WILL
Sorry, I was just in the middle of an audiobook when you sat down and I sort of want to get back to it.
CASSANDRA
Oh, I'm sorry. I'm all here telling you my life's story. It's so me. I'm sorry. Go ahead.
He puts his headphones back in. She takes a beat, then places her hand on his forearm.
CASSANDRA
It's just been really hard recently. My aunt just died and she was the only one who has ever believed in me. Only one who ever thought I had potential for something good, you know? And I just started doing this acting thing and who was I kidding? It's been 10 years and — And now she's gone and — and she never got to see me in a big role and — and everyone else seems to be doing so good while I'm — I'm struggling you know?
[beat]
CASSANDRA
Ah, there I go again, mumbling away. I'm sorry, I'll leave you alone.
WILL's expression softens.
WILL
I'm sorry.
CASSANDRA is touched.
CASSANDRA
Thanks.
WILL
On second thought, I think I will have some chips.
— A.T.D.