INT. LUXURIOUS HOTEL LOBBY – LATE AFTERNOON
“Golden chandeliers hang from the ornate ceiling, softly illuminating the opulent lobby. The floor is marble, reflecting the light in soft glows. The distant hum of conversations fills the room, occasionally punctuated by laughter.
As the elegant glass doors of the hotel swing open, in walks Suzzy. She dons a sleek black dress that complements her stilettos perfectly. Her strut is every bit as confident as it is graceful, drawing the attention of almost everyone in the lobby. Whispers and murmurs can be heard, admiring comments blending into the ambient noise.
She spots a table near a floor-to-ceiling window and takes a seat, placing her designer handbag next to her. An attentive waiter approaches her almost immediately.”
Waiter (with a polite smile): “Good afternoon, ma’am. What can I get you today?”
Suzzy (flashing a sweet smile): “A glass of Chardonnay, please.”
As the waiter nods and leaves, Suzzy’s phone lights up on the table. She picks it up, browses a couple of messages and apps, and then glances at the time, her expression growing slightly impatient.
Suzzy (mumbling to herself with a touch of humour): “Trust Nana to be on African time.”
Just as Suzzy’s impatience appears to peak, Nana bursts through the doors, slightly breathless but smiling. Her eyes instantly lock onto Suzzy’s. Without a word, they both stand up and close the distance, embracing in a tight hug. As they pull away, the hint of tension is palpable.
Nana (grinning, trying to diffuse the tension): “Fashionably late, as always? Forgive my tardiness. How about a cocktail – my treat?”
Suzzy (giggling and playfully rolling her eyes): “You know exactly how to appease me, don’t you?”
“They both sit down, the waiter returning with Suzzy’s Chardonnay. Nana orders a mojito for herself. The atmosphere noticeably lightens as they start catching up, their conversation a mix of business and personal anecdotes. Plates of exquisite appetizers are brought to the table, and they share, the bond between them evident in their easy camaraderie.
As they talk, Suzzy pulls out an old, slightly faded photograph from her wallet and slides it across the table. The joy in Nana’s eyes is replaced by a deeper, more complicated emotion as she gazes at the photo.”
Nana (voice barely above a whisper, laden with emotion): “Oh… Tony.”
Suzzy, sensing the shift in mood, looks up. She catches the glistening tear forming in Nana’s eye but chooses not to voice her concern, allowing the silence to convey her understanding.
