(MUSIC) .....
TR (ANNC): Barb and I enjoy a lifestyle of outdoor activity; and hiking and camping and canoeing and birdwatching and also the arts; the ballet and theater, and our book group, and then, this spring, one weekend, we stayed home and didn't do anything. And Barb said to me....
SS: Maybe I shouldn't say this. In fact, I'm sure I shouldn't. But I will. I enjoy our lifestyle, Jim, and all the things we do. It's you I don't like.
TR: Somehow, I've been sensing that, Barb.
SS: Everything else in my life is just the way I want it. The kids are grown up and fairly normal and I love my job and my network of nurturing friends and my therapist Kathy and I feel better about myself than ever and I'm finally discovering who I am and as I do, I'm discovering that I think you're a dork.
TR: I guess I've been aware of that for quite some time now.
SS: I don't want a divorce, Jim. I just want you to go to Wyoming for a few years.
TR: But I'm sensitive and caring, Barb. I share your interests, your commitment to life quality and to honesty as the basis of a reationship.
SS: It's your voice, Jim. It's too deep.
TR: It is?
SS: It's much too deep. I feel threatened by it. (BRIDGE)
GK: An unnaturally low voice may convey hostility that you don't intend, but in many cases a slight change of diet can lighten a voice and make it pleasant again.
SS: I fixed lunch, Jim. And instead of a salad, I made us wieners. Wieners with ketchup.
TR (HIGHER): Oh boy. Ketchup. Wow.
SS: It's been a long time, Jim. Too long.
TR (HIGH): I can't believe it. Ketchup. Gee, thanks, Barb.
SS: I love you, Jim. I love you so much. (MUSIC BUILD BEGINS)
TR (HIGH): So I don't need to go to Wyoming then?
SS: I want you right here, Jim.
MJ (SINGS): These are the good years, in the golden sun, The river flowing like ketchup on a bun. Like Ketchup on a bun.
GK: Ketchup....for the good times.
(c) 1998 by Garrison Keillor