Chibi
Mara.

Mara
Hmm?

Chibi
Do you like this street now?

Mara
Yes.

Chibi
More than before?

Mara
…

Yes.

(They walk slowly. The lamps are steady. The street is quiet.)

Chibi
Why?

Mara
It feels nicer.

Chibi
Nicer how?

Mara
Quieter.

Nothing jumps anymore.

Chibi
Mm.

Mara
What?

Chibi
That’s what worries me.

(Mara looks down at her shadow. It stays neatly where it should.)

Mara
It looks right.

Chibi
Too right.

Mara
You always say that.

Chibi
Yeah.

Mara
Maybe it’s just better now.

Chibi
Maybe.

Mara
You don’t think so.

Chibi
I think it feels easier.

Mara
That’s good.

Chibi
Not if it makes you stay.

(A pause.)

Mara
Stay where?

(He looks at the street.)

Chibi
Like this.

Mara
…

I think I like it like this.

(He nods once.)

Chibi
I know.

Walk a street that feels quieter, kinder, easier—

and notice who still wonders why that feels wrong.