Him: Wow, you still look the same, pretty as ever! How are you?
Her: I'm great! How are you?
Him: I'm good, I'm good. So, how are Joel and the kids?
Her: Good! You know Joel, he's the same old guy he ever was. And the kids are still growing and going!
Him: Yeah, I bet...I bet. Great, that's really great.
Her: Well, I'm sorry, but I better get going. I gotta get home and start supper. You take care!
Him: Yeah...you too.
***
This is what they think while they talk and when they walk away from each other.
Her: I'm not pretty, you liar! You can probably guess that Joel gets drunk and hits me sometimes, and that's why I'm wearing sunglasses. But I love him, and it's no one's business but ours. The way people gossip in this town, you've probably heard shit all about us and our kids; how we're trashy, and how he's mean like his dad and how she's too wild. But you know what? I've accepted my life for what it is. It's mine, and I don't care what you or anyone else might think! And why the hell did you hug me? Ugh! Surely, you don't still have that dumb little crush on me! That time we fucked, it was one and done! I've never felt anything for you but pity. You're so wimpy. I wouldn't have even talked to you if you hadn't talked to me first!
Him: I probably shouldn't have hugged you, but I couldn't help myself. My heart was overwhelmed. It's all I can do not to cry or scream my lungs out right in this store. Joel is a bastard and has ruined you! Why can't you see that? God, I hate him! I wish I could give him the beating he deserves! I still love you so much, even after all these years. I've never been with anyone else. Can't you see that in my eyes? But I have a great job and so much to offer. I would take you and your kids and give you a better life, no matter how hard it might be. I would love them because I love you. I would give anything for just a chance! But it will never happen, will it? No... I see it won't.