Waiting in the dark

Take Liam's part first, then Xiao's. Both speakers whisper at first, so keep your voice low and fast. Let the energy lift on "That's perfect," then drop back to a whisper for the last two lines.

1. XiaoShh. Lights off. Ben's bus gets in at seven-fifteen.
2. LiamIt's seven-forty, Xiao. My legs hurt from crouching behind this sofa.
3. XiaoHe's probably walking slowly. He always walks slowly.
4. LiamTwenty-five minutes slowly? From a bus stop across the street?
5. XiaoOkay, let me check his location. Oh. He's not coming this way.
6. LiamWhere is he going?
7. XiaoThe movie theater on Grant Street. He's going to the movies alone.
8. LiamOn his birthday? That's so sad.
9. XiaoIt's our fault. Everyone was in on it, so nobody wished him happy birthday today.
10. LiamWe ignored him all day to throw him a party. He thinks we all forgot.
11. XiaoThis is a disaster. Twenty people, a cake and no Ben.
12. LiamCall him and tell him the truth.
13. XiaoNo way. That'll spoil the surprise. We need a reason for him to come home.
14. LiamTell him you locked yourself out. He has your spare key, right?
15. XiaoThat's perfect. He'd never leave me outside. (typing) "Help. Locked out. It's freezing."
16. LiamIs he answering?
17. Xiao"On my way. Ten minutes." He's turning around.
18. LiamEveryone back down. And this time, nobody whisper.
19. XiaoOkay. Nobody tell him about the lie. Ever.