where do we go from here

[Stepping out of Sal’s and losing the handful of napkins she’s carrying to the breeze] Dammit–Hey! Grab those–Ah, it’s no use. They’re gone, and I’m now a person who litters. [Muttered mostly to herself]This is what happens when you don’t have magic, Aubrey, get it together.

Oh, boy. I’m sure if we sprint for a second, we could pick up a few at the very least. [ stage whispers in her general direction ] I hear you on the ‘no magic’ front, though. Everything feels slightly off without it.

Sorry- Sorry, man. I keep trying to crush your, well, everything but you know. It’s just- Man, how many times do we have to go through this bullshit? Not that I’m not grateful. I am.

I- Yeah. Yes, we do. Oh man, where do I even? Lemme break it down for you: there I was going about my daily business when all of a sudden, like everyone, I’m passing out for the quote-unquote Big Sleep. That was cool, that was fine but then get this! I wake up and I’m tied up, duct taped and stuck in Dexter’s downstairs coat closet. This shifter woman, totally hot BTW but also, she was wearing my face so… She takes my face! She takes my chinos! Man! But uh, it’s fine. She’s taken it off now but not before I basically ran around the whole of town in my underwear trying to hold onto what little dignity I had left. How was your morning, bro?

Tell me about it. At least this time I have a general idea of everything going on around me, but even so. It’s disorienting, to say the least.

Mark.

Meg! Oh. Meghan, no. What--- Are you... Are you okay?

It’s fine. And you’re actually not being a nuisance. If anyone has reason to be a nuisance, it would be you, given…Well, given everything. You’re not being a mess, all things considered.

Thanks. I appreciate the sentiment, even if I can’t necessarily agree. It’s weird, being this in control of my own actions and consequences for the first time in---... Um. In a while. I’m just trying to wrap my head around it, I guess.

I can imagine. Yeah. Of course. A hug is fine. I can definitely do a hug. In fact, I like to think that I’m pretty good at hugging. Not to brag or anything.

I’m sorry you had to see me like this. I think I’ve been a general public nuisance as of late, without meaning to. I’m kind of a mess, as you likely noticed.

Yeah, it’s me. [ reaches out to wipe away some of the tears ] How can I? You shouldn’t be sorry. Ellie tried to warn me and I just… didn’t want to hear it. I can’t apologise enough to you. How many? I-… Two? Three if you include that dream… no, it definitely felt like a spell. So… this would be the fourth time.

I- I don’t want to. I never want to. But if this isn’t real… if we get our magic back and you forget again, I just-… If I’m around you, you might start to remember. And if you remember then-… then if you still-… You’ll be gone again. I won’t let you die again. I won’t.

Please... don’t apologize. I’m serious. The things you had to go through, for a curse that never should have had anything to do with you... I’m so sorry. Did you know that you’re the strongest person I know? And I’m--... I feel so selfish. I’m so... happy, just being near you again.

Mark! Ma—-

Are you in there, Marky Mark? Just say you are, even if you’re not ‘cause someone stole my fave pair of chinos and I can’t take another hit today.

O-Oh my god. I’m--... Yeah. I’m in here, for the most part.

…Mark. Are you…Are you okay? Do you need a hug or something?

That’s... a complicated question. But I think I’m generally okay for now. I’m just processing a lot right now. But a hug would be nice? Only if you’re offering, and if you’re not then, thanks for the suggestion. Honestly.

Uh… I’m pretty sure not being able to stop crying is a sure fire sign that you’re not fine. Unless these are happy tears? Are they happy tears?

That’s a fair point. They’re not... not happy tears... They’re just... um, a lot of emotions at once, also, tears. You know?

Mark? Okay. Okay yeah, you’re fine. I’m fine. We’re all fine. You want a tissue? Or five? I have a whole pack in my bag. Which I realise sounds either practical or crazy and I’m hoping you’re going to assume the former.

I- I could use a few tissues, thanks. Maybe I should start carrying some around with me, too. And if you could avoid telling anyone you caught me like this, I’d really appreciate it. I can already feel my parents shaking in the distance.

You- You’re human too. No magic, no memory spell, no curse. I- This won’t last… It never lasts… You’ll forget again. It’s better that you-… Please don’t cry. I- Mark, I’m so sorry. I should go. I shouldn’t be around you. I should never have done this to you.

Evelyn? I-- No, seriously, pretend they’re not even there, I don’t even want to cry. It’s not---... Please don’t apologize. I’m sorry. How many times have you had to do this already? And every time, I was just...

Mark. You Donnie Downer you, did you really think I was never coming back? Besides, it’s not like I could tell you about it. You know I like to make a scene, an entrance, all eyes on me and my snazzy new shirt. You like? Alright, Mister Sensitive. Put the claws away.

[ holds his hand to his heart like ‘bless’ ] I can’t believe it either but it touches me in my special place. Now, do you want to pass me the Feelings Stick? Been. Exciting stuff. Here you go, doing the thing as per. Being all…you. We really need to work on that, man. How about a drink? Just me and you. What? Can’t a guy just miss his big bro?

I considered it, obviously. It’s not like you did much to disabuse the idea. But now you’re here anyway, so it’s not like it matters either way. ... Right. Anything for the flash and dazzle. Never mind what anyone else wants. What, your shirt? It’s a shirt. What do you want me to say?

It’s fine. You get used to it. Breathing. It’s good. It’s a good thing. You just…You just get by.

Maybe I should just go home instead. This was a bad idea. There’s no point in being out here when I can...-- I can just--- Okay. Back to breathing.