I’m joking. (pause) Mostly.

Sam almost laughs. Almost.

Elias looks up for the first time. His eyes are kind, tired, and utterly certain.

Nobody ever does, first time.

Long silence. The sky darkens.

Town’s a skeleton.

Skeletons have stories. This one’s just resting.

Sam stands, picks up their bag.

(small smile) No. But I’m practicing.

Sam drinks. Sits on the ground near the bench, not on it.

Wind blows. A loose shutter claps somewhere. Neither reacts.