#sm:tasks

Halloween Costume: Suzy Bishop from Moonrise Kingdom

Billie had been spending her days sleeping in late after staying up to watch television on her computer. She was irritated to be up early to show for the interview, but it was one of those civil duties she believed she had to take part in like jury duty. She made sure to dress well, wearing a yellow skirt that came down past her knees, and a denim button-up blouse tucked in. Even though she was exhausted, she still showed up early for the requested time slot. Billie hated being late, she viewed it as rude and unnecessary in most scenarios. They called her in and she sat down in front of the camera, wide-eyed.

They asked her their first question, “What was your first reaction upon arriving to the city? What stood out to you the most?” She took in a deep breath, trying to keep herself calm and collected as she answered. “I didn’t realize how spread out it was until I got here. The, um, the weather really stands out to me.” She paused, then explained further. “It’s warm but not humid.” She nodded after wrapping up her answer.

She was fidgeting with her hands on her lap and hoped they wouldn’t be able to notice on the camera. They asked her their second question and she had to ask them to repeat themselves. “Which neighborhood did you settle in? Do you like your neighborhood? What improvements would you suggest?” Billie shifted in her seat. “Oh, I’m in Pico. I like it there, it works for me right now. I just, uh, wish there was less of a homeless problem. Like, I know the city has an issue with homelessness but they could be doing more to help people.”

Billie swallowed hard after her last answer. She didn’t know about shelters or what the city was already doing, just that she saw a lot of people sleeping in tents on the sidewalk. They went into their third set of questions. Billie was glad they weren’t commenting on what she was saying. “What has kept you in Santa Monica? What are you looking to get out of this city?”

She had to think for a moment. She wanted to be honest with them and say she has no idea. “Friends, mostly. I wouldn’t have stayed if my friends didn’t come with me. I’m not sure what I want from the city... I don’t, I’m sorry, I don’t have an answer for that.” She bit into her lower lip.

002. THE GRAND TOUR