Temperance

A bedroom. Simon is smoking by a window. He is in his underwear.

The door to the bathroom opens and Jared comes out, a towel wrapped around his waist. His hair is still wet. He walks barefoot to where Simon is and lays his palm open.

Simon takes out a stick of cigarette and puts it on Jared’s hand.

Jared bites the cigarette and makes a motion with his hand, akin to a lighter.

Simon lights his cigarette.

Jared sits down beside Simon. He puts his right hand on Simon’s shoulder. Simon makes no move to remove it.

Jared stands up and blows more smoke. Simon goes to the CR, cigarette in hand. Jared stares at him as he goes.

Sound of peeing.

Simon returns. He shares a quick stare at Jared. Simon lets out an awkward laugh. Jared smiles and nods.

Simon approaches Jared and clears his throat. He opens his mouth as if to say something.

Jared puts his finger on Simon’s mouth, hushing him. He moves inch by inch to be mere millimeters away from Simon.

Beat.

Beat.

They kiss.

Simon moves nearer the window and continues smoking. Jared takes off his towel and starts to put his underwear back on.

SIMON: So, this is good-bye then?

Jared continues to put his pants back on.

Simon watches Jared get dressed. Jared puts his shirt back on and starts fiddling with his laces. After he puts his shoes on, he moves to Simon, as if wanting to say something or to do something.

SIMON: Don’t.

Jared bows his head and starts to move out. Simon turns away, in pain.

JARED: For what it’s worth, I love you.

——————–

CARD DRAWN:

THIS IS THE TAROT CHALLENGE, a 78-day writing challenge where everyday I pick out a random card from my tarot deck and write something about, against, inspired by, based on the card by the day’s end. The works can range from poetry to fiction to drama. When the card is from the major arcana, the title of the work should be the card name. When the card is from the minor arcana, the title can be different but the card drawn should be revealed at the end.