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Story: Holly Jolly July

ANNIE

What, you wouldn’t consider us friends?

JAMES

It’s been a long time since I’ve had one

of those. I think I’ve forgotten what

it’s like.

ANNIE

Well, friends are there for you to help.

To keep you company. To... talk about

things, if you need.

JAMES

I don’t have much to talk about.

ANNIE

It’s hard to be friends with someone if

they don’t let you in.

JAMES

To be clear, I was never offering friendship.

ANNIE

Right. Of course.

JAMES

And you’re not even from here. Why would I

invest time in a friendship with someone who

lives so far away? That’s a lot of emotional

labour with very little return.

ANNIE

I’m here often to visit my sister.

And... never mind.

JAMES

What?

ANNIE