"Lost Without You"

Meredith van Wiltz is sitting in a diner, waiting for Peter to arrive with her newest prized possession. She’s anxious as she waits for the last stamp that will allow her to sell her entire collection for $1.5 Million.

Meredith: This better not be one of those scams where they find out what I have and then rob me blind. The waitress has been around 5 times and this Peter is 15 minutes late. This is getting ridiculous.

Peter strolls in casually. He heads to the counter, when no one helps him, he turns around to scan the diner. There are very few people and he spots Meredith quickly. With a smile he heads to her booth.

Peter: Hi. Meredith?

Meredith: Who wants to know?

Peter: Peter.

Meredith: When did we last speak?

Peter: On eBay. We’ve only ever chatted through that service.

Meredith: You may sit. You can’t be too careful these days. “Strangers rushin’ past” and we think they’re “just tryna get home,” but people may have the wrong ideas.

Peter: Well lucky for you, I’m the only person in more than 500 miles with what you’ve been looking for and “you were the only” one looking… so lucky me.

Meredith: Stamps are my life. It’s the only “safehaven that I’ve known.” Since I was really little the only thing I’ve cared for is my collection. My son knows and it’s why he and I are estranged. Do you have it?

Peter: I’ve been trying to sell this 1847 ten cent Washington since my dad bought it for my 13th birthday. No one has been willing to pay so when you messaged me…well, it “hits me at full speed” that someone actually wants this piece of paper.

Peter takes this out and then delicately places a small envelope into Meredith’s hand. She opens it and pulls out the stamp.

Meredith: It “feels like I can’t breathe.” People told me they didn’t exist. That I would never find this.

Peter: Oh, they exist, “and nobody knows” about these anymore. We are at the point where so few people know when stamps even came about.

Meredith: My great nephew didn’t know a stamp was necessary and tried to send me a letter without it. He’s 17. It’s so exciting though! “This pain inside me” for years is suddenly and finally gone. I have what I’ve been looking for.

Peter: Glad I could be of service. What form of payment?

Meredith: WIll you take a check? For this, I want to write you a check.

Meredith is super happy and her hands are shaking as she takes out her checkbook and writes her check.

Meredith: I can’t believe this. It feels like “my world is crumbling.” Now I can finally sell my entire collection.

Peter: What do you have in your collection?

Meredith: It’s $9,500 for this Mint condition? “I should never have” said anything. (sighing with flourish) Here is your check. This should clear on Monday. There won’t be any troubles with it, been saving up.

Peter: Thanks for finally buying this one. Like I’ve said, I have been trying to get rid of it for a long time. I’ll “let you go” now. Bye.

Meredith: Take care of yourself. Thanks for selling me the 10 cent.

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