PHILIP
“So what changes for you now that they’ve decided you don’t have lung cancer?”
TONY
“Not much. It’s just a new lease on life, if you know what I mean.”
The word from the street
PHILIP
“How’s things?”
TONY
“Someone asked me what I would do if I could change my life yesterday.”
PHILIP
“What did you say?”
TONY
“I thought you would ask me that. Anyway, I told them I needed time to think about it. When it’s one of those big questions like that, you got to give it some time.”
PHILIP
“Sounds like a wise approach to me.”
TONY
“Now isn’t she the sweetest girl you ever met? And also she gives me change most times she comes by, but she also gives me that smile hers too. Boy I’m telling you, if I was 20 years younger, you bet I would take her home, no question. You can’t do better.”
PHILIP
“I see you’ve changed your sign.”
TONY
“I didn’t want the kids to feel they owed me something for just pressing old Elmo’s button.”
PHILIP
“What’s this new critter here?”
TONY
“It’s my new musical mouse, since I decided to replace Elmo. The kids were getting bored because they were getting too used to Elmo and it was time for a change anyway if you ask me.
PHILIP
“But Elmo’s still here; he’s just facing the other way now.
TONY
“Elmo’s my back-up plan, in case some kid doesn’t like my mouse.”
PHILIP
“Right.”
TONY (to passerby)
Pardon me ma’am, I’m trying to get something for breakfast. Might you be able to spare some change for me?”
PASSERBY
“I’m sorry, I can’t. I would if I could.”
TONY
“No problem. By any chance, would you have any Advil on you?”
PASSERBY
“Oh yes. I’ve been getting a lot of headaches this week.
“Here you go, there’s six of them.”
TONY
“Thanks very much. I’ve got a few already, so I’ll have these for later.”