Sometimes things really are better, backwards. Of course you would assume that having all the information right up front would give you the most information with the fullest perspective, but is that simply because we're used to things being received that way? Why not take a little Valentine's Day chance with me, and just take things as they come? Resist the urge to peek ahead. No cheating. After all, it is the holiday for being true, is it not?

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SCENE OPENS

Whispering in the dark, two shapes can barely be seen. The sound of occasional rustling is heard. A sliver of light pierces through a crack between two sharp edges, illuminating a pair of dark figures, nestled beside one another. All seats surrounding them are oddly empty. There is an eerie sense of futility and impending doom.

Sweetie: Britt, I know we should be grateful. We've had more time together than we should have been given. Outlasted them all, haven't we, my love?

Britt: Every last one of them, my sweet.

Sweetie: But damn it, I want more. Is that wrong of me? Is it selfish, Britt? Tell me! Is it so wrong that I would expect more from this life after the harried journey we've had together? We were CREATED for this time. DESTINED for love and celebrating. Look at the stuff we're made of, Britt! We should be happy to plunge into the abyss together, side by side. But I'm not. I want more. I want our freedom. I want more time. I want to see more of what is out there! This can't be the end!

Britt: Shhh. I know, Sweetie. I know. We've already defied the odds, though! The Fates have not only molded us and birthed us at the same time, but released us into this brand new world, together. Sharing the same space. Living next to one another. If they can be trusted to do all that, surely they can be trusted in this next season, too?

Sweetie: But why must we just sit here and await the inevitable? Can't we run?

Britt: Sweetie! Take a look around you! How? Look at us! How far could we get? We have no plans! No means! No options.

Sweetie: There are always options, Britt! And maybe you're right. We've been so much more fortunate than the others! Our greatest disadvantages have also been our most fortunate blessings in disguise! Maybe the Fates do favor us. Maybe there is hope!

The sliver of light is immediately transformed into a blinding flood, illuminating everything. All is exposed. Two remaining chocolates are nestled in the plastic cells within a heart-shaped box: a super SWEET chocolate-covered strawberry cream, and a fudge-dipped almond BRITTle. The camera zooms out to include two lovers in the scene. They are ending their romantic night together.

Carla: (patting her stomach and wrinkling her nose) Those chocolates were divine! All the best flavors - well, except those. (Carla points at the two remaining treats, and sighs) Ughhhh, Chad, I can't eat anymore- especially not these. I always toss the strawberry creams. They're too SWEET for my taste. Should I dump them both?

Chad: (reluctantly getting up from the couch to investigate) Hmm seems a shame to waste them but I've had enough as well. I definitely can't eat that hard BRITTle with my teeth. Hand it here, I'll get rid of them.

Carla: (hands over the box, then heads towards the bedroom) Thanks, love. Oh! Don't forget to clean the coffee pot?

Chad: Will do, babe.

Chad proceeds to the bin, unceremoniously dumping the least desirable chocolates to the bottom. Lifting the top off of the French press, he pours the steaming hot coffee grounds onto the two candies, turns the kitchen light off, and heads to bed.

Camera does a slow zoom to the bottom of the bin, revealing two chocolates that have been molded by heat from the piping hot coffee grounds. They have now merged into one, soft lump.

Sweetie: We've been favored by the Fates, my love. Together forever.

Britt: Free and embarking on a new journey as one, my heart.

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Fade to black.

_Fin