5.14
Busy campus café. Students at tables, laptops open, drinks lined up on the counter. Hannah and Josh sit by the window, coffees in front of them. Jackets on the backs of their chairs. They face each other, settled in.
You know, I could've kept the card. Sold your identity to the highest bidder.
Yeah, good luck. Nobody wants to be me.
Come on. Someone would’ve bid a sandwich at least. Rough night?
That obvious?
Party district, lost ID...
Yeah. Let's just say it was a first.
First what?
First time I don't really want to explain to a stranger.
I know that face. That's the face of someone who really got into it.
That's just my face.
No, you quarrelled.
Who says 'quarrelled'?
You're right, we're strangers, you don't have to tell me. But strangers are excellent listeners.
Because you don't judge?
Oh no, we judge plenty, but who are we going to tell?
Right. Are we talking platonic, are we talking—
Girlfriend girlfriend.
Right. So you're a lesbian?
I'm bi. Lesbian?
I'm just estimating my odds.
Well, they're not great, Josh.
I'm gathering that. What did you fight about?
Another girl.
Yep, I've been there too.
I don't know, I just... thought it was something it's not. I have that a lot.
So you're mad at yourself.
I get into these situations again and again and I don't think I'll ever learn.
Have you ever considered not trusting people?
Every time. Doesn't stick.
Well, one day, I'm sure, your trust will be proven right.
Are you saying today is that day?
No, I really would've sold your card.
Are you always this happy in the face of cynicism?
Of course. Everyone deserves a happy ending.
Some memory stirs in Hannah again. The faintest echoes of THE HUM. A sudden flash of Josh from episode 2 talking to Hannah, then back to the moment.
Do you believe in second chances?
You mean, do I believe in starting over?
No, you can never start over. I mean trying again.
Sounds like this girl really got into your head.
No, I don't think so.
Then why the question?
I... don't know. You felt like the right person to ask.
Because of my optimism? Sorry to disappoint. I've never given anyone a second chance. You have to respect the ephemerality of things.
You have an interesting vocabulary.
It's because I'm nervous.
Another flash: Hannah on the hilltop.
Why are you nervous?
Because I'm working up the courage to ask you out and I'm worried you'll say no.
Another flash: Hannah on the street, being pulled back by a hand... Will's hand.
I have to go.
See? I was right.
Sorry, I have to be somewhere.
She grabs a pen from her bag and scribbles her number on a napkin.
Thank you again for the card.
She quickly leaves the café, leaving Josh at the table, staring at the number, not unhappily.