Veronica

Veronica

INT. HALLWAY – EARLY MORNING

Jack tools his way down the hallway. He glances at Veronica staring out the window.

JACK
Good morning.

He keeps rolling, not breaking stride.

INT. DINING ROOM – LATER

A nurse wheels Veronica into the dining room and gently positions her at Erik’s table. Just as she settles in, Vera the server approaches with a notepad in hand.

VERA
What will you have today, Ronnie?

Veronica gives a nervous look and stares down at the menu as if she can’t see or read it. There’s an awkward pause.

ERIK
(in his rough, raspy voice)
They’ve got the fish again today… and meatloaf.

Veronica doesn’t respond. Her eyes stay fixed on the menu, unmoving. Erik leans forward, trying again.

ERIK
The meatloaf’s not bad if you like ketchup.

Still no answer. Vera gives a sympathetic glance, waiting patiently, then suggests maybe some soup? Veronica looks up with a nod and a small smile.

INT. ANOTHER TABLE – CONTINUOUS

Jack is at his usual table, surrounded by the usual suspects—Gus and Alex. The conversation has somehow landed on age, as it always does in a place where birthdays are more frequent than fresh fruit on the menu. Jack, however, is focused on the awkward moment unfolding with Erik and Veronica.

GUS
(grinning, to Alex)
You know, they say you’re only as old as you feel.

ALEX
(shrugging, glancing around the dining room)

Alex searches the room for another face—someone he might actually enjoy sitting with. No luck. With a sigh, he resigns himself to the table, pulling out a chair and sitting down.

ALEX
What’s new, Jack?

Edith, now seated nearby, has been mostly silent. She suddenly leans in, placing her fork down delicately. With a soft, serious tone, she speaks.

EDITH
I’m 87. That’s not so old, is it?

The table goes quiet for a second. Jack, never one to let an opportunity pass, chimes in.

JACK
No, not if you’re a turtle.

GUS
No way! You don’t look a day over… 86 and a half!

Jack lets out a snort, barely holding back a grin. Edith, unimpressed, stares at Gus like he just grew a second head.

JACK
(raising an eyebrow, smirking) It’s common knowledge, turtles can live well beyond a hundred years.Storytelling, expert analysis, and vivid descriptions. The Stories Podcast brings history to life, making it accessible and engaging for a global audience.