The Sculpture in the Hall
Vale Enterprises Gala – Side Hallway]
Vivian Langford
(thinking)
Vivian Langford
Ugh. Too many people... too many cameras...
Why did I even come to this thing?
[She quietly slips out of the ballroom, following the “Art Exhibition – East Hall” sign.]
Naomi Lin
You’re not supposed to be here.
Vivian Langford
(startled)
Vivian Langford
I-I thought the art room was open?
Naomi Lin
Unless you’re a billionaire or staff... with a good excuse.
Vivian Langford
(nervous smile)
Vivian Langford
Does “lost art student” count?
Naomi Lin
Only if you have good taste.
Vivian Langford
You remember me?
Naomi Lin
Vivian Langford.
Naomi Lin
Your mother sponsors half the art in this building.
She also hates modern sculpture.
Vivian Langford
(laughs softly)
Vivian Langford
That sounds like her.
[Naomi stares for a moment too long... then turns and taps a panel on the wall.]
[A curtain lifts, revealing a steel sculpture – wings mid-motion, caught in place.]
Naomi Lin
It’ll be unveiled later tonight.
Naomi Lin
But you’ve already broken the rules, so...
Vivian Langford
(eyes wide)
Vivian Langford
It’s beautiful.
Vivian Langford
And kind of... sad?
Vivian Langford
Like it wants to fly, but it’s stuck.
Vivian Langford
Caught between soaring and falling.
Naomi Lin
You’re not wrong.
[They stand in silence, side by side.]
Vivian Langford
You’re not like the others, are you?
Naomi Lin
Is that a compliment or an insult?
Vivian Langford
A compliment.
[Naomi lets out a short, surprised laugh.]
Naomi Lin
Huh. That’s new.
Vivian Langford
(thinking)
Vivian Langford
I like that sound.
Naomi Lin
Don’t get used to it, Langford.
Naomi Lin
I’m not usually this nice.
Vivian Langford
That’s okay.
Vivian Langford
I like earning it.
[Naomi pauses—visibly caught off guard.]
[The distant sound of music swells—guests being called back.]
Vivian Langford
Thanks… for letting me stay.
[Vivian walks off. Naomi watches her go.]
Naomi Lin
...That girl’s going to be trouble.
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