MALLORY
Are your parents going to be able to come to graduation?
HANA
No. They weren’t able to get visas. When I go home they’ll throw a party.
MALLORY
And it’s not like the actual ceremony is that exciting anyway.
HANA
Yes. That’s what I told them.
MALLORY
My parents are taking me out to dinner after. You know they’d love to have you as well.
HANA
Thank you. That is generous. I will let you know. My aunt might be coming in from Wisconsin, so I might be entertaining her after.
MALLORY
Okay. Yeah, let me know.
HANA
I will.
MALLORY
Have you… made a decision yet?
HANA
I have.
MALLORY
I mean, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to…
HANA
I’m going to stay.
MALLORY
AH! Yay! I didn’t want to say before you decided, but I would have been absolutely heartbroken if you left.
HANA
Yes, well, the opportunities are greater here. And I already have the best roommate so why mess up a good thing?
MALLORY
You flatter me. I have the best roommate. Hug?
HANA
Yes.
[they hug]
We should talk about if we want to renew our lease or try to find a new place. Have you had any luck finding work?
MALLORY
No. Not even at the coffeeshop… It’s so frustrating. I’ve applied for a couple of paid internships and should be hearing back, but I feel like they are kind of a scam, like, a contract position with an asterisk that you aren’t an actual employee so it looks worse on your resume.
HANA
There are many things I don’t understand here, and that is one of them. Humans are resources to companies, not people. I don’t like it.
MALLORY
You’re lucky your advisor was looking out for you.
HANA
Yes. I am.
MALLORY
Maybe I should have gone into a more specialized program. Half the time I saw my advisor they thought my name was Maddie. Too many students to keep straight.
HANA
It’s not a fair system. I could help you find something if you like?
MALLORY
How about we parallel work? I’ll job search and you can work on your capstone. I know you’ve been procrastinating and seeing you focus will help be focus.
HANA
Or how about you work on my capstone and I find you a job?
MALLORY
Nice try.
HANA
I’ll make the tea, then we can get to work.