Pass the sugar, please.

Here you go.

Thanks…

Lydia.

Hi Lydia my name is Sergei.

Good to meet you, Sergei.

Likewise Lydia. Today this sugar is the only sweet thing I have going.

Better than nothing.

Yes.

(After a few minutes)

When I leave here I’m off to rehearsal. The conductor is a tyrant.

I’m sorry.

Don’t be. What she takes from us she gives to the audience.

That’s the spirit. What orchestra?

The Philharmonic.

And piece?

Carmina Burana.

I love that.

Yes. It’s exciting to perform.

What do you play?

Violin.

Ah, I love the violin.

(Sips of coffee)

That O’ Fortuna gives me goosebumps, Sergei.

(Sergei laughs)

Well, it does.

Sorry, Lydia, you are not alone.

When are you doing it?

February.

I hope I’m out of the hospital by then.

Oh?

Surgery.

Well, let me write my number down and call me when you’re out. I’ll get you a ticket or tickets.

Ticket. That’s very kind of you.

Sure. In fact, I’ll make sure to get a ticket today.

What if I’m not out.

Don’t worry about it. You will have the music to look forward to.

That is truly kind of you.

You’ve read Tennessee Williams?

I have.

And, have you always depended on the kindness of strangers, Lydia?

When they are sweet, yes, Sergei.

I know what it’s like to be in a hospital room and alone.

Boring!

You got it. Will you call me, Lydia?

Are you sure? We don’t know each other. What would we have to say?

I’m sure, Lydia, we’d have something sweet to say.

I will call, Sergei.

*