Setting: Office building 

Characters: Mindy(she), Asha(she), Ruben(him), Cam(they), narrator 

Background Information: Mindy, Asha, Ruben and Cam work for a furniture building company. They are all colleagues as well as friends who are comfortable sharing their difficulties and inner thoughts with one another. 

… 

            *Enter Ruben on crutches*

*Enter Cam, carrying a hot plate of enchiladas*

  *Enter Mindy, bringing a box of Macaroons*

Mindy: Finally, a lunch break! My neck is sore from all that hunching over the computer.

*All take a seat around a plain, circular table*

Ruben: So what are we thinking about plans for Friday?

Cam: The Arcades sound nice.

*All, except Mindy begin digging into their meal*

Ruben *chuckling*: Oh please, we aren’t 13! Plus, crowded places are such a struggle on crutches.

 *Enter Asha, quitely and briskly, hiding her face from the others while grabbing a seat *

    *All fall silent and face Asha*

Mindy: Asha, what’s wrong?

*Asha sniffles*

Asha *in a shaky voice*: No one told me- n-no one told m-me th-that our s-salary has l-lowered by s-so much..

Ruben: What?? I’m getting payed the same amount as last month.

Asha: B-because you a-aren’t a woman of c-color

Mindy: I’m so sorry Asha. Really, this isn’t fair. I can see if it’s possible to talk to the CFO about such unfair circumstances. But until then I’m here for you.

    *Mindy hugs Asha. Asha begins to quieten down*

Mindy: Until then, you can have a macaroon to cheer you up. I know it’s not much but it might help.

Asha: Thanks, Min.

Cam: This place really isn’t inclusive. What Asha is going through is horrible. People of color as well as LGBTQIA+ people are constantly disregarded, and it’s painful. Trust me, I know. Even though those around me try and make me feel comfortable about being omnisexual.. They always end up saying the wrong things and eventually talking behind my back. Sometimes, it feels as though there are knives pierced through by spine. When I try to fall asleep, those knives only dig deeper. 

Mindy: I had no idea you were feeling this way Cam.. I feel horrible. Just know that as a group, we are all here for you, no matter your sexual orientation.

*All smile at Cam*

Mindy: The macaroons helped Asha, you’re welcome to have one too!

*Cam picks up a macaroon and devours it with a smile plastered across their face*

Ruben: We should get back to work guys, we took a much longer break than usual.

*Exit Asha and Cam*

        *Mindy packing Macaroon box with a final one left*

Mindy: Do you need any help with the crutches?

Ruben: Nah, all fine.

*Ruben manages to get up*

Ruben: I do need help with something else though.

Mindy: Anything.

Ruben: Ever since I broke my leg.. Things haven’t been the same. Everyday activities take twice as long as they usually do and I miss playing hockey more than anything. I feel like a stranger in my own body. I didn’t want to say anything in front of Cam because of the struggles they’re facing and how challenging things are for Asha. 

Mindy: Trust me, I’ve broken limbs before. But look at me now, I’m completely fine. It’s the hardships that build you up for the next chapters in life. Without them everything would just be repetitive and monotonous. I know injuries are annoying but there is so much to be grateful for like a stable healthcare system and caring people surrounding you everyday.

Ruben: Right. Thanks Mindy, you’re always there for everyone. I have no idea how you do it!

Mindy *smiling*: Here, have one.

      *Mindy handing the macaroon box*

Ruben: But it’s the last one.

Mindy: Haha, it’s ok! I’ll live..

*The Next Week*

      *Asha, Ruben and Cam are gathered around the same table, having lunch*

Asha: Wow, Mindy sure is taking a long vacation!

Cam: She’s not the type of person to ditch with no notice whatsoever. Plus, her phone’s been switched off for the past week.

Asha: I miss her. And her macaroons! I hope she had some for herself

Ruben: I took the last one.

*All turn and look at Ruben, grief invading the spacious room like toxic gas*