They were standing on Main Street in New Berlin just in front of the Big M market.
It was a late Fall day. A light drizzle and the wind circled one’s body and carried the first bite of early winter. Muriel and Helen were just about to enter the shop.
Muriel: Hello Helen. How are you?
Helen: Not so good.
Muriel: How is your sister?
Helen: Oh, she’s fine.
Muriel: I’m so exhausted. I’ve been running all morning.
Helen: I know how you feel. I’ve been very tired lately.
Muriel: I hope the rain holds off till Saturday. I’ve got guests coming for lunch tomorrow.
Helen: Muriel you know I’ve been getting more exhausted lately.
Muriel: I plan for four for lunch, but Harriet usually calls at the last minute to tell me she is too tired to eat at lunch, so she never comes.
Helen: I think I should make an appointment at Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Muriel: That Harriet she makes me so mad, but it doesn’t matter anyway.
Helen: The outpatient clinic is so busy nowadays.
Muriel: Even if Harriet doesn’t come, I’m going to make my special peach pie.
Helen: Muriel do you ever feel whoosy whenever you stand up?
Muriel: What?
Helen: Did you ever feel real dizzy when you stand up?
Muriel: Sometimes. Helen, I can’t understand…
Helen: I’m sorry Muriel, but I don’t how to explain myself, but the dizziness is really annoying.
Muriel: Helen, you know if you use fresh peaches, the pie takes one hour to bake.
Helen: I know.
Muriel: Have you ever used fresh peaches for pie ?
Helen: Many times Muriel, but nowadays I find it hard to stand on my feet.
Muriel: Well I’ll tell you. I’m not going to kill myself.
Helen: Is it really so much trouble?
Muriel: No, but I’m really annoyed with Harriet.
Helen: Is it getting colder? I feel a chill.
Page 2….
Muriel: Can you believe it? Harriet has never made a lunch at her house.
Helen: Muriel, I’m so cold. I’d best get going.
Muriel: Where are you going?
Helen: Muriel, my legs feel weak.
Muriel: Helen maybe you’d like to come over for lunch.
Helen: Oh thanks but I’d best…..
Muriel: Everyone is coming about 12:30.
Helen: Where is my car? Muriel do you see my car?
Muriel: I walked downtown today.
Helen: I can’t see my car.
Muriel: Where did you park it?
Helen: Muriel, my legs are so cold. I think I’m gonna……..
Muriel: It is getting a bit chilly. Well I’ve got to buy some Crisco and a pie tin.(Muriel enters Big M.)
Helen: Bye Muriel, I’ll……..( Helen falls to the ground, just as Muriel enters the store. It starts to rain. Across the street, a man comes out of the NBT bank. He runs to Helen who is lying on the ground. The rain falls even harder.)