TENE

You don ‘t have to leave you know. Just because…

BRUCE

It ‘s not about that. It ‘s about u ‘

TENE

Why? Stop packing and look at me. Why do you have to leave? I mean…why do you think you have to leave…

BRUCE

That ‘s why! Everything is analyzed….every word is scrutinized. Every minute of every day. No matter what I say.

TENE

I ‘m sorry. Words matter to me. Meaning matter ‘..

BRUCE

I know. But Tene it’s not about the words it ‘s not about the hidden meanings and how we place what word where every time we speak. It ‘s not an equation. It ‘s about understanding. And patience. It ‘s about trust. Trust that not everyone is gonna get it right every single time and that if we trust each other not to be malicious that’s all that matters. But I am not going to walk on eggshells for the rest of my life. Understand?

TENE

But you are just going to run away. Run away every time it gets hard. Every time someone is different or doesn’t fit your mold.. Please stop packing and just listen.

BRUCE

I am listening. Trust me when I say there is nothing wrong with you or u ‘ It ‘s not that simple.And…. at the same time it ‘s not that complicated. It just is. We shouldn’t be trying to change one another. Because we are who we are.

TENE

You mean you and I. There is no WE! I wish you respect my individuality…

BRUCE

That ‘s exactly what I am talking about. We is you and I. That is WE! And we have been together long enough to know what the other mean ‘ But somewhere along the road my words didn’t fit into your dictionary anymore.

TENE

I ‘m sorry…

BRUCE

Don ‘t apologize.

TENE

But I am sorry. Part of me knows it ‘s important to look inside and try to fix that part of us which is not working…I don’t want to be toxic anymore. I just want you to stay and work this out with me.

BRUCE

Why?

TENE

What do you mean?

BRUCE

(Sighs)

TENE

I ‘m sorry…I mean…I guess I mean….I mean I DO mean….why is this so hard?! Words! words why can ‘t I just say the right thing? WE should try to work this out. It ‘s been too long and there ‘s nothing inherently wrong. WE just keep coming to places of misunderstanding. But WE have the ability to work it out as individuals. That’s what I mean.

BRUCE

Ok.

TENE

Ok? You mean…

BRUCE

I mean ok. We should work on thi ‘ It’s a start. You can work on you! I will work on me! and we will find a way forward together. Will you help me unpack?

TENE

Ye ‘ Let’s unpack.