(theme song)
MASON
Well, Sesra, it’s about time you got up here.
SESRA
So it seems. Though it’s not my fault Wyncyn kept leaving to talk to you.
MASON
True, I guess someone has to man the kitchen.
SESRA
(flatly) And that someone was often me. But now he’s actually doing his job, so here I am.
MASON
Right. So! Tell me about yourself, about your life before the apocalypse.
SESRA
Well, my name is Sesra, I use she/her. My girlfriend and I ran a coffee shop before the zombies came around.
MASON
Woah, that’s awesome! What’s it called?
SESRA
“The Natural Brew.” We sourced naturally, locally, the whole nine yards. We used to have people lining up outside the store on busy mornings.
MASON
Hey, yeah, I went there a couple times. Pretty sure I had a few job interviews there back when I could still work.
SESRA
Yes, we were a popular spot for interviews and first dates. Our first date was at a coffee shop, actually. That’s part of why we opened The Natural Brew.
MASON
Aw, that’s so cute! Who’s your girlfriend?
SESRA
Hilda. She was the love of my life.
MASON
Oh, shit, I- Was?
SESRA
Yes, she… she was turned at the beginning of the apocalypse. A zombie bit her, this was back when we hardly even knew the virus was transferred by bites. We just tried to clean it normally as we quarantined, but then I woke up one morning to her groaning in the bathroom, and… and I…
MASON
Shit, Sesra. You don’t have to keep going, you can stop, I- I’m so sorry for your loss.
SESRA
It’s okay. Well, it’s not okay, but… that’s how the world is now. You lose people. Hopefully, someday, science can get those people back. But as of right now, that’s not even a possibility. We just have to accept what comes our way.
MASON
That’s… grim, but I guess I understand. You lost your girlfriend. Of course you’re feeling grim. [pause] Shit, uh- we’re getting a call. Can I..?
SESRA
Go ahead.
MASON
(solemnly) Hi, Will.
WILL
Did I call at a bad time?
MASON
Uh, sort of. I was just… (fake cheer) interviewing Sesra here! Sesra, say hello!
SESRA
Hello, Will. It’s nice to meet you.
WILL
Um, right, nice to meet you too. Sorry if I… Anyway. I’m coming up on a coffee shop, do you think they’ll have supplies?
MASON
Oh wow, we were just talking about coffee shops! Sesra used to own one.
SESRA
I’m sure most of their pastries and things are long past edible, if they’re not already gone. Coffee shops don’t exactly hoard many non-perishables.
Will
Damn. You think there’s any real reason to go in, then?
SESRA
Not really. Besides, you’re on a time limit, aren’t you?
WILL
Definitely, but I do need supplies… If you think it’s not worth it, I won’t go. Thanks for the advice.
SESRA
No problem. Perhaps I should get back to work—(wryly) so Wyncyn doesn’t burn down the kitchen.
MASON
Hey, Wyncyn’s not a bad cook!
SESRA
Maybe, but I’ve certainly known better.
WILL
Harsh.
SESRA
Oh well. Bye, Mason.
MASON
Bye, thanks for letting me interview you!
[pause]
WILL
She was… lively.
MASON
Oh, don’t be rude.
WILL
Sorry, I didn’t mean it in a mean way. She’s just very different from your usual guests.
MASON
Yeah, Sesra’s real cool and calm. It’s a shame she hates fighting, because she’s great at keeping her cool during disasters. Kitchen disasters, that is.
WILL
Speaking of kitchen disasters, I am one.
MASON
Oh, are you now?
WILL
Absolutely. I think I could burn soup.
MASON
Well, yeah. Soup can be burnt.
WILL
What? I thought soup was like, one of those things you couldn’t mess up. I was making a joke.
MASON
That’s… very telling.
WILL
Oh, whatever. I’m at the park on Main Street, by the way!
MASON
No shit! That’s where my dad taught me to ride a bike.
WILL
Hey, cool. You’ve never mentioned your dad before, is he at the mall with you?
MASON
Nah, he was up in Canada when the apocalypse hit. I’ve heard Canada was way ahead of the game with evacuation though, so he’s probably fine.
WILL
You haven’t heard from him?
MASON
Aw, geez, don’t make me worry!
WILL
Sorry, sorry! Just curious. I haven’t talked to my parents in years.
MASON
Why’s that?
WILL
‘Cuz they’re shit parents.
MASON
Oh, sorry.
WILL
I think we started this conversation off wrong.
MASON
Yeah, it’s cursed.
WILL
…But I still enjoyed talking to you. Even if it was cursed talking.
MASON
Just because it’s cursed doesn’t mean it wasn’t worthwhile. I enjoyed talking to you, too, Will.