Collected Stories2002

Ruth Steiner:
What you have to say means a great deal to me, you know?

Lisa Morrison:
No, I didn't know that.

Ruth Steiner:
[Taken aback] No? How could you not know that? It goes both ways you know. Am I supposed to give and give and expect nothing in return?

Lisa Morrison:
No, of course not.

Ruth Steiner:
I can't just applaud you and pat you on the back and give you unconditional love and support. I know I've been your teacher and your champion, but I'm also your friend and I could use a little reassurance too you know?

[Begins to tear up]

Lisa Morrison:
Ruth, what is it?

Ruth Steiner:
It's very complicated for me.

Lisa Morrison:
What is?

Ruth Steiner:
What's happening for you, it's very complicated for me.

Lisa Morrison:
Ruth, are you jealous?

Ruth Steiner:
Please don't condescend!

Lisa Morrison:
I'm not. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to...

Ruth Steiner:
It's not about envy.

[pause]

Ruth Steiner:
Maybe it is about envy, but it's not about professional jealousy.

[Long pause]

Ruth Steiner:
you know what it is? I'm jealous that you have all of life ahead of you and I can't just sit back and watch you do the dance I danced so long ago and not think about time. That's what it is. Don't you see?

[Wiping away tears]

Ruth Steiner:
It's about time.