Catching Up
Katsuo calls up his sister to chat and pitch something important.
Author's Notes
Originally written for my Writing for the Stage class, aka theatre script style, with the instructions to write a short piece of dialogue that reveals something about your character. And what better way to reveal that Katsuo is a huge tool? XD
Modern setting.
SUZU is sitting in her living room, stage right, painting her nails at a small folding table. Her phone is on the table next to the bottles of nail polish. KATSUO is outside of her townhouse, stage left, leaning against a telephone pole and smoking a cigarette. A front door with windows on each side divides the stage. KATSUO pulls his phone out of his pocket with one hand, still holding his cigarette with the other. He dials quickly and holds it up to his ear. SUZU’s phone starts vibrating and she glances at it. She takes in the name on the screen, pausing before reluctantly answering it.
SUZU:
Hello.
KATSUO:
Heeeeey, sis! So good to hear from you—
SUZU:
You called me.
KATSUO:
Yeah, yeah, let’s not get bogged down by specifics. I’ve missed chattin’ with you. Have I even seen your new place? It’s been way too long.
SUZU:
You’ve been here.
KATSUO:
Man, really? I thought I’d heard you moved again.
SUZU:
I haven’t moved since the last time you needed something from me.
KATSUO:
Why do you think I need somethin’?
SUZU:
I never said you did.
KATSUO:
You wound me, sis!
SUZU:
Stop putting words in my—
KATSUO:
Is it so wrong for your big brother to wanna check in on you? It’s like we never chat anymore – though I have been busy recently, lotsa irons in the fire and all that – so I want to catch up. What are you up to these days? Clients still treatin’ you well?
SUZU:
Same old, Katsuo- you should know that by now.
KATSUO:
Hey, I just wanna make sure. If anyone tries to pull anything funny, you know you can call me.
SUZU shakes her head in disbelief.
KATSUO:
But seriously, I’m glad to hear everything’s goin well. Mom ‘n dad might not always get it, but I do. Us nontraditional career kids gotta stick together and all that.
SUZU:
It’s not like that, Katsuo.
KATSUO takes a long drag on his cigarette before snuffing it out.
KATSUO:
Nah, I guess. But still- your success is badass.
SUZU:
Is that really all you wanted to say?
KATSUO:
What have I done to deserve this kinda attack on my intentions?
SUZU opens her mouth to respond, but KATSUO barrels forward without letting her answer.
KATSUO:
I just wanted to give you an opportunity, because I care. I’m here out of the goodness of my heart because I wanna see you continue to succeed and live a cushy life, you know? And I’m workin’ on something big that’ll help with that- since it’s way better to grow your wealth without being beholden to others.
SUZU:
What are you talking about?
KATSUO:
I’ve been investing in a lot these days – really growing my portfolio – and I’m finally ready to start something big on my own. And I know it’s gonna do well, since I’ve spent my time studying the industry. So, I wanted to get you in on the ground floor before it explodes, you know? A special deal just for my little sister.
SUZU:
You haven’t even told me what you’re trying to “sell,” and you expect me to jump for it? Look, Katsuo, I don’t have time for whatever this new scheme is—
KATSUO:
Aw, come on- can’t a man speak his piece? I was just letting you know that it’s a sound investment, not some flash-in-the-pan phenomenon. I’ve got my own digital currency coming out – it’s launching at the end of the month – and I want you to be part of it.
SUZU sighs in exasperation. She has heard this kind of sales pitch from him before.
SUZU:
Crypto is pretty much synonymous with “flash-in-the-pan” these days.
KATSUO:
Yeah, if you only listen to the worst stories. But if you’re investing in something trustworthy, it’s perfectly secure. Just- how about I come by real quick and explain. It’s basically the new cash! We can catch up and go over how investin’ works.
SUZU is struck by something from his words. She gets up and crosses to the middle of the stage, looking out one of the windows. When she sees KATSUO, she looks visibly upset.
SUZU:
Oh, you can come by real quick?
KATSUO:
Yeah, I’m pretty sure I’m in your neck of the woods today. I can swing by whenever.
SUZU:
I’d say you’re more than “in my neck of the woods” – I can see you from my fucking window!
KATSUO shrugs, looking wholly unrepentant.
KATSUO:
Guess the jig is up! I was really hopin’ you’d be free today, so I came by in advance.
SUZU:
Katsuo—
KATSUO:
I promise it won’t take long. It’s the way of the future, you know, and I just wanna—
SUZU:
I’m not throwing money at you. You never paid me back the last time you just “just needed a little help.”
KATSUO:
Well, ain’t that what family does? You helped me then and I’m payin’ you back with an opportunity you can’t get anywhere else.
SUZU:
Your “repayment” sure sounds like you want more of my money.
KATSUO:
I mean, it’s an investment…but you’ll make it back and more in no time at all.
SUZU:
I shouldn’t have answered the phone. Goodbye, Katsuo.
SUZU hangs up the phone and returns to her seat, frowning.
Suzu, come on—
KATSUO shakes his head.
Some people just can’t appreciate an opportunity when it’s right in front of them. Her loss!