Malka: A great friend of mine…I’ve known him since early childhood. He’s dark, silent, and brooding, and extremely angsty. 

*she smiles, thinking of Joel’s antics and quirks*

But I think…I think I’m growing to love him. I’ve been afraid to admit it for the longest time, but I’ll say it now - I’m in love with him. And it’s a wonderful feeling. I want to show him that I love him and appreciate him, since I know he’s very lonely and depressed. 

He’s the kind of person who thinks there’s no meaning to life except this drab grayness. I understand where he’s coming from - life’s no walk in the park, but I also want to change his view. I want to colour his grey world - he’s a debater, you see, so he loves it when people challenge his views. And I’ve decided to challenge him…by surprising him with the fact that I do love him. This will disarm him, since he’s someone who claims to be driven solely by logic.

*Malka laughs, her laughter sounding like tinkling bells*

*A darkness emanates from the thin-lined features of Tamara’ sloping yet tapered face. Her broad, jetty brows furrow in a mix of consternation and a bitter resentment at Malka’s innocent happiness and energy. Puckering her lips, Tamara clears her throat with a grating sharpness.*

Tamara: So I see… you’re quite fond of this young man, aren’t you? 

A brooding, angst-ridden youth? Perhaps he might have a point. 

It does beg the question- you’re such a cheerful, bright young woman, Malka. 

Why waste time with such a gloomy, mean-spirited man? 

And does he REALLY love you? 

Truly, a man like that has no heart. Actually, none of them, really do. 

When you’re pretty, have a coin and still have your precious little maidenhood bloom all intact, of course the suitors pour in. 

But dear little Malka, does this man, this argumentative man, truly love you? 

I know that you know better. It’s best to put the fairytales behind us, dear little Malka. 

Do you think, like some noble princess, if you give your best jewels of love and devotion, your dark dragon will turn into a prince?

Ah, love does not work like that. And in the end, is love even REAL? 

Malka, focus on a better future. You’re not tainted, trapped in a cage you can’t get out of. You’re free. Don’t imprison yourself with this hateful bastard. 

You’re smart- find a nice job. Perhaps a telephone operator!

As I said, Love is really an illusion. A way to get the best gifts from a poor girl. 

You’re starving for love, I wager. But there’s no table laid in looking for something so childish as love.

I speak from experience. You would be wise to listen to me, dear little Malka. 

*Each time Tamara speaks the word, “love”, she emphasizes a brittle hardness of spite and indignation.* 

Malka: *thinks about what Tamara has just said and ponders upon it. All of what Tamara has said isn’t new to her - she has thought about this before* 

I understand. I’ve thought about all of these things you’ve mentioned here before, and you’re very right. Love can be a childish thing, especially if the approach is wrong. Especially if you’re looking to gain something, like notoriety or a feeling of power. Or even the thrill of being loved.

Maybe it’s foolish and arrogant of me to say so, but I think the bond we share is special, Joel and I. He’s not a stranger - I’ve known him since we were young. We’ve always shared a natural rapport that few have…it’s just a matter of bringing it out into the open now. For the longest time, we wanted to pretend it was something minor, something unimportant, but I don’t think it is.

Why not live life to its fullest? Why deny ourselves? Of course, we’ll be careful. But there’s already so much hate and bitterness in the world. I know that. I think Joel and I could learn so much from one another.

*she returns Tamara’s steely gaze*

That’s the purpose of it. That’s the beauty of love - the ability to move on from bitterness, hatred, and all of the nastiness of the world. The ability to move forward and bring new viewpoints and perspectives into existence!

Tamara: *Malka’s steely gaze and firm stance unnerve the jaded woman. She draws a deep breath, her nostrils flaring. Scrunching on her neat, black leather gloves, Tamara readies herself to depart.*

All right, then. Be so headstrong. Delude yourself into believing you two share a “special bond” *emphasizes “special bond” with a nasty vehemence and sour, puckered grimace* with your beloved Grecian demigod! 

Live life to its fullest! What does life have to offer? A procession of hardships and disappointments! We fight for a few pleasures, but they are small. 

We will always remain alone, even if you do wed your precious lover, he’ll probably grow to hate you and your simpering naivety. Being married? You might as well be alone with how cold the heart and bed will be. I can see it now. 

You haven’t lived life to its “fullest”- I have, and the fullness is nothing but an empty, mocking cruelty of who survives and who doesn’t. 

Forgive me, dear little Malka. I am a woman of fire and I spite everything, esp innocence like yours. That’s the surest way to fall, is to remain innocent in this world. 

I hope we meet again. And I hope you take my advice. Love is an illusion, and so are the people around us. We can only live for ourselves.  Good bye, little Malka. Be safe! 

*Tamara spins on her heel and glides out of the museum like a vengeful shade floating through the netherworld.*