It’s that specific yellowed white, you know? Like the old keyboards in the back room at the office. It looks diseased. I was thinking about how we keep making things that just sit there rot. Anyway, did you see the delivery on the porch this morning? It was massive. I had to move it into the hallway so the neighbors wouldn't see. It's nothing important, really. Just some supplies.
Supplies? You didn't order anything big enough to block the hallway. The hallway is narrow enough as it is, I nearly tripped over that box trying to get to the kitchen. You're acting twitchy since Tuesday. If it's just paper towels or something, why the hassle? Honestly, why are you hiding it from the neighbors? You look like a criminal hiding a body. It's annoying.
Don't be dramatic. It's just bulk stuff for the project, I don't need the neighbors peeking through the blinds wondering what I'm buying. I'm not twitchy, I'm tired. The hallway is a mess because you keep leaving things out, honestly. Just move the box. Anyway, are you going to fix that old radio in the garage? The static is getting worse and it's driving me insane.
I'm not touching that box. And the radio? Static isn't the problem, it's the fact you're acting like you're hiding a bomb in the garage. You say you're tired, but you've got plenty of energy to be secretive. If it's just project supplies, put them in the closet, not in the middle of the hallway. It's weird, Cass. Just weird.
It doesn't fit in the closet, Jo. The dimensions are wrong. You're making a mountain out of nothing. It's just hardware and some tape, God. If you're so bothered, walk around it. I don't have the energy for this interrogation. Stop being so weird. Did you even buy the milk? I think the milk went sour because you left it on the counter again.
I bought the milk. It was in the fridge, you just didn't look for it. Hardware and tape don't need a crate the size of a foot ottoman. You're lying through your teeth. I saw the packing slip sticking out the side—it said heavy-duty industrial. What are you actually building in there? You've been avoiding the kitchen for three days and you're acting like a cat. It's exhausting watching.
I didn't see any slip. You're imagining things. It's just brackets for the shelf, okay? Heavy-duty stuff because the wood is cheap. I haven't been avoiding the kitchen, I just had a headache. You're obsessed with this box and it's exhausting me. Go check if the sink is leaking again. I think I saw a drip under the pipe this morning.
Brackets for a cheap shelf? That's your excuse? You don't need a shipping crate for shelf brackets. The sink is fine, you're just trying to get me out of the room so you can get back to whatever you're doing. I heard you clicking in the hallway at midnight last. It wasn't a headache. You're vibrating with nerves. Just open it. Or are you trying to bolt something to the floor? It's pathetic.
I wasn't bolting anything to the floor. I was moving the floorboards because they were creaking. You're so paranoid, it's pathetic how you find a conspiracy in a box of cardboard. It's just components, Jo. Leave it alone. I'm going to the store. I need actual air before I lose my mind in here. Handle the hallway while I'm gone.
Moving floorboards? At midnight? You're delusional. Go to the store, then. Maybe the air will clear your head. I'm not "handling" the hallway by navigating your obstacle course. If I come back and that box is still there, I'm ripping it open. I don't care if I ruin your components. You're lying through layers of lies and I'm sick of the tension. Just get out for a while.
Fine, rip it open. See what happens. You'll find nothing but disappointment and then you'll have to apologize for being a complete nightmare. I'm leaving. Don't expect me to be back in an hour. I need to see if they opened that new hardware store on 4th yet. It's much more interesting than this conversation anyway. Don't touch the tape while I'm gone.
4th Street? That place is a vacant lot for months. You're just desperate to get away. Fine, go. But don't think for a second I'm letting that box sit there. If I find one single piece of tape on the floor, I'm done. I'm tired of staring at the back of your head playing games while I'm stuck in this house with your secrets. Just close the door on your way out.
It's not a vacant lot anymore, they started the foundation last week. You never look out the window. I'm closing the door, Jo. And if you scratch the finish on the frame, I'm not replacing it. It's just a box, not a holy relic. Honestly, the way you enjoy turning every little thing into a drama is exhausting. See you later.
The foundation? They haven't even broken ground yet, I saw the site. You're just looking for any reason to make me look stupid. Go ahead, leave. I don't care about the door frame. I care about the fact that you're acting like a guest in your own house. If I come back and that box is still hogging the hallway, I'm calling the landlord. This is ridiculous.
Call the landlord. Go ahead. See if he cares about a box in the hallway. You're so desperate for a fight it's embarrassing. I'm not a guest, I'm just trying to live without someone hovering over my every move. I'm out now. And for the love of God, stop touching the tape while I'm gone. It's pathetic.
I'm not touching the tape. I'm not even going near it. You're the one making it a fight with your pathetic little secrets. Go then, walk off. I'll be right here in the silence you love so much. If the landlord shows up, it's on you for driving me to it. I'm not paranoid, you're just transparent. Don't expect me to be waiting when you get back.
I don't expect anything from you. The silence would be better than this constant nagging anyway. You love being the martyr, don't you? It's your whole personality. I'm already at the car. Just stay out of the hallway for five minutes so I can have fewer things to complain about when I get back. I'm done talking about this.
Five minutes? You think I'll just stand in the corner like a statue? I'm not the martyr, you're the one creating the mess. Drive your car and leave. I'm going to the kitchen. If the hallway is still blocked when you get back, you'll deal with the tripping hazard. Don't bother calling when the store is closed. I'm done with this.
I'm not calling you. The store is open until ten. If you trip over the box, that's on you, I didn't put it there to hurt you. You're always looking for a reason to be angry. It's exhausting. Go, sit in the kitchen, stare at the wall. Maybe you'll find some peace there. I'm leaving now.
Stare at the wall? Better than listening to your excuses. The wall doesn't lie about floorboards or midnight projects. Go then, I hope the hardware store has whatever you're actually vibrating over. I'll be in the kitchen, and I'm not moving the box. Just close the door quietly when you leave. I can't stand the sound of your keys rattling.
I'll rattle the keys if I want to. It's my house too. You're always acting like you own every square inch of it. It's suffocating. I'm closing the door now, and don't bother starting the stove, I'm grabbing something on the way. Actually, I just remembered I need to pick up lightbulbs. Goodbye.
Lightbulbs? Right. Just another excuse to stay out longer so you don't have to look at the hallway. I'm not touching the stove anyway; if you're hungry, figure it out yourself. I'm not waiting on you. Just take the time you need. The house is already quieter without you pacing. Don't let the door get slammed.
I won't slam it. I'm not giving you the satisfaction. You want silence? You've got it. Just don't be surprised if I decide to stay at my sister's place. The air is much better than this atmosphere. I'm out the door now. Enjoy your quiet kitchen.
Stay at your sister's for all I care. Maybe she won't mind the midnight floorboards and industrial crates. It's not the atmosphere that's heavy, it's the stuff you're carrying. I'll be fine in the quiet. It's better than the excuses. Just don't come back leaving sticky tape on the floor. Goodbye, Cass.