III. Alea Iacta Est

The protagonist and the woman enter the scene laughing.

WOMAN: It’s like he didn’t realise we’d all be dead within the week? Like why the fuck should we have to pay for a cab if ALL of us are gonna’ be dead! Actually – why the fuck is he still driving a taxi?! The world is ending one week from now, and you’re still driving a cab?! Why not quit your job sooner? It’s not like it matters.

The protagonist laughs.

PROTAG: I only quit my job today.

WOMAN: Today!?

The protagonist looks down, and gives a half-smile.

PROTAG: Yeah. Today.

WOMAN: Oh! You’re one of those guys who loves his job right? What are you an astronaut? No wait a superhero?

The protagonist laughs.

PROTAG: No. I fucking hate my job.

WOMAN: You hated your job? And you only quit today? Even though you knew the world is going to end.

PROTAG: Well – first of all, we don’t even know the world is going to end tonight, you act like it’s for sure? I don’t even think it’s going to end.

WOMAN: But you quit today? So now you do think the world is gonna’ end?

PROTAG: No. I still don’t think it’s going to end.

WOMAN: But you quit your job, why would you do that if you’re broke as shit.

PROTAG: I mean…

The protagonist looks up and the sky, as if thinking about this had only hit him now.

PROTAG: Even if the world’s not ending, say we wake up tomorrow and we’re still here. This whole process, this whole panic, it’s just made me think you know… This morning my boss was yelling at me, and I sort of just, dazed out. And then I asked myself, ‘why the fuck am I here’. I hate this shit. Fuck this job. Fuck my boss. And fuck not living every day like it’s my last. I need to do something with my life, and I couldn’t do it at this job.

WOMAN: Wow… Well I hate to break it to you, but I know the world is going to end tonight. There’s not a doubt in my mind.

The protagonist chuckles.

PROTAG: You’re starting to sound a lot like that Professor Black guy.

WOMAN: Whatever you say Office boy. Mark my words.

They both stop walking and turn to face each other.

PROTAG: I don’t even know your name.

WOMAN: So? Why do you need to know my name? I don’t know your name –

PROTAG: It’s –

WOMAN: I don’t care what it is. Names don’t matter when you’re both going to die.