“Hey,” she started, “is it okay if I sit here?”

“Uh- oh, yeah, sure. Go ahead,” the boy responded. His hand fumbled with a bracelet on his wrist.

“I’m Isa by the way,” she introduced herself as she sat down.

“Evan,” Evan smiled. 

A pause of awkward silence occurred. “Do I know you from somewhere?”

“Probably. I ran the Connor Project at the local high school,” his demeanor seemed to change as he thought about it.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Isa quickly apologized. “I didn’t realize-”

“No, hey, it’s okay,” Evan cut her off. “You didn’t know.”

She gave him a small smile as she traced her thumb on the coffee cup. She took out her laptop and began to work on her college applications. She had to start soon; she needed all the financial aid she could get. 

“I recognize that look,” Evan smiled. “I had the same look on my face when I had to start applying for college. Am I right?”

Isa nodded, “Yeah.”

“Judging by the more intense look you have at times, I’m assuming you’re going for a bunch of scholarships? It’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it.”
“Yeah, I need all the ones I can get. My parents aren’t exactly around much,” Isa mumbled.

“I understand that,” Evan replied. “When I was 11, my dad left without a word. My mom is constantly working. High school was rough. You may feel pressured to get all the scholarships, but you can’t overwork yourself.”

“I’m sorry about your dad.” Isa took a deep breath before she spoke again, “My dad left when I was little. I- I don’t even remember the sound of his voice. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not, but it’s rough.”

“I’m sorry,” Evan apologized. “I promise you that it’ll get better.”

“Thank you,” Isa smiled. It was nice to just be sitting here and talking to someone who wasn’t thinking she was about to collapse from emotional strain or expect more of her than she can handle. 





This dialogue practice was helpful for discovering what it would be like to talk to another character; it helps develop Isa's character.