A happy couple
a | c
Hank: Sue, Sue! There's a wonderful little clothing shop up the street.
Sue:
Oh?
Hank:
Yes. And there is the most beautiful outfit in the window. It's so perfect for me. It's pink and just right for summer. It's cotton and washable so...no dry cleaning bills.
Sue:
How much?
Hank:
Sue, it's a bargain. It's reduced from $165.00.
Sue:
To what?
Hank:
It's on sale. Really Sue, I can't live without it.
Sue:
But Hank, your closet is full of clothes. You can't get another thing into it.
Hank:
How can you say that? I haven't got a thing to wear. Besides, it's a small closet.
Sue:
Hank, be serious. Come here. Now look at all these clothes!
Hank:
Well, what about them?
Sue:
Now look, what's wrong with this?
Hank:
I can't wear it.
Sue:
Why not?
Hank:
It's too small.
Sue:
Then give it away.
Hank:
No, I can't.
Sue:
Why not?
Hank:
It's one of my favorites.
Sue:
All right, all right. What about this, and this, and this?
Hank:
Well, that one's too small, and that one's too short, and that one's too young for me now, and that on's so old. Really Sue, I don't have a thing to wear, and the outfit in the shop is just perfect.
Sue:
How much?
Hank:
Not very much really.
Sue:
How much? Come on, tell me.
Hank:
Only $140.00.
Sue:
No, no, absolutely not. That's too much. That's almost two days' pay. NO.
Hank:
Sue. Sit down. I have something to tell you.
Sue:
What? Oh no, don't start crying. I can't stand it. It's one of your tricks. What's that? What's that package? No. It isn't from the shop. Tell me it isn't from the shop. No, I can't believe it. Hank. What's in the package? Don't cry, for heaven's sake. It's all right. I'm not going to leave you. Just take it back in the morning.
Hank:
I can't.
Sue:
Why not? Tell me why not.
Hank:
You can't return things on sale.
Sue:
I give up. I give up.
Hank:
Sue? Sue? Where are you going?
Sue:
Out.
Hank:
Where?
Sue:
Out.
Hank:
When are you coming home?
Sue:
I don't know.
Hank:
You don't love me anymore.
Sue:
That's ridiculous. But I'm still going out. Goodbye.
a | c
based on "A Happy Marriage" No Hot Water Tonight by Jean Bodman and Michael Lanzano (a book of readings to teach cultural awareness to international students learning English in the USA)