The quiet teenager

Take Marcus's part first, then Aiko's. Marcus starts polite and a little guarded, then admits the truth; Aiko is warm and knowing. Copy Aiko's three flat, bored teenager words, "Fine." "Nothing." "Whatever.", and the quick hope in "Wait. It's her."

1. AikoMarcus! I haven't seen you since the Seattle office closed. How are you?
2. MarcusAiko, hi. I'm good, thanks. Busy, but good.
3. AikoAnd how are the kids? Your daughter must be in high school now.
4. MarcusShe's fifteen. And Sam just turned twelve. They're growing up fast.
5. AikoFifteen already? How's she doing?
6. MarcusGreat, I think. Honestly, I'm not sure. She hardly talks to me anymore.
7. AikoAh. The one-word answers? "Fine." "Nothing." "Whatever."
8. MarcusExactly that. How did you know?
9. AikoMy son did the same thing at fifteen. It's a phase, mostly.
10. MarcusI've tried everything. Dinner questions, weekend trips. Nothing works.
11. AikoCan I tell you what finally worked for us? The car.
12. MarcusThe car?
13. AikoKids open up when you're both looking at the road, not at each other.
14. MarcusThat's an interesting idea. No eye contact, no pressure.
15. AikoMy son told me about his first girlfriend on the highway.
16. Marcus(phone buzzes) Wait. It's her. "Practice is over. Can you come get me?"
17. AikoThere's your chance. Take the long way home.
18. MarcusI will. Aiko, thank you. Let's get coffee soon, properly.