Setting: A cozy urban café. The warm glow of string lights gives the place a homely yet modern atmosphere. Four women sit at a round table, each sipping different beverages. They’ve gathered for their monthly “Reality Check” meetup, where they talk about life beyond what people see on the surface.
Characters:
1. Lila: A glamorous social media influencer. Always on her phone, perfectly styled, and radiating confidence. Beneath the surface, she’s a keen observer of human behavior.
2. Margot: An elementary school teacher, outwardly conservative, polite, and impeccably dressed. She’s grappling with a messy affair that challenges her sense of morality.
3. Tina: A no-nonsense corporate executive, seen as unapproachable and cold. But in truth, she struggles with anxiety and a fear of failure.
4. Ellie: A yoga instructor who seems zen and carefree but is battling imposter syndrome and financial stress.
5. Nina: A bubbly waitress and aspiring actress. Often underestimated, she’s the glue that holds their group together.
Scene One: The Café
(Lila is taking a photo of her latte, arranging the foam art just right. Margot watches disapprovingly but says nothing. Tina glances at her watch impatiently. Ellie sips her herbal tea, lost in thought. Nina serves them cookies before sitting down to join the group.)
Nina: (cheerfully) Okay, ladies. What’s the topic this month? Who’s spilling the tea first?
Lila: (without looking up from her phone) Life hacks for pretending everything’s perfect while your world is on fire?
Margot: (sighs) Could you maybe not take pictures of your coffee for five seconds?
Lila: (finally putting down her phone) Listen, Margot, not all of us can hide behind chalkboards and parent-teacher conferences. Some of us must sell perfection to pay rent.
Ellie: (quietly) Selling perfection. That’s ironic. Isn’t it exhausting?
Lila: (shrugs) Maybe. But you’d be surprised what you can learn about people when you’re pretending to be what they want to see. Like that guy in the corner—he’s smiling at his laptop, but he’s stressed. Probably answering emails he doesn’t want to send.
Tina: (intrigued) Wait, how do you know that?
Lila: (smirks) Psychology 101. People-watching is my side hustle.
Nina: (laughing) Of course it is. Okay, Margot. Your turn. What’s new in teacher-land? Still molding young minds?
Margot: (hesitant) Sure. Let’s call it that.
Lila: (eyebrows raised) Ooh, what’s that tone? Spill.
Margot: (flustered) Fine. I…might be involved with someone at school.
