SARAH:
(Stopping in front of him)
What are you doing here? Hanging around like this… I know what you’re up to.
JAMAL:
(Looks confused, raises an eyebrow)
What? Excuse me?
SARAH:
(Squints, voice accusatory)
You’re just standing here, looking like you’re selling something.
JAMAL:
(Sighs, a bit frustrated)
I’m not selling anything. I’m just waiting for my friend.
SARAH:
(Pauses, her voice firm and judgmental)
You sure? You look like one of those… people who deals drugs.
JAMAL:
(Takes a deep breath, trying to stay calm)
I don’t know what makes you think that, but you’re wrong. I’m just a guy waiting for a friend to finish at the store.
SARAH:
(Defensive)
It’s just that… with all the crime around here, you look like you fit the type.
JAMAL:
(Laughs softly, but with bitterness)
Fit the type? What type is that? The Black guy standing on the corner?
SARAH:
(Realizing the weight of her words)
I didn’t mean it like that…
JAMAL:
(Slowly, clearly but calmly)
You know, it’s funny how when you see a Black guy in a hoodie, your first thought is always the worst. But I’m just a guy who wants to get through the day without someone accusing me of something I haven’t done.
(Beat. Sarah stands still, uncomfortable, processing what he said.)
SARAH:
(Softly)
I… I’m sorry. That was wrong of me. I shouldn’t have assumed anything about you.
JAMAL:
(Nods, a bit of tension fading)
Yeah, you shouldn’t. I’d appreciate if you didn’t do it again. It’s tiring, you know?
(She looks at him for a moment, embarrassed but genuinely remorseful.)
SARAH:
I’ll do better. I’m sorry.
JAMAL:
(With a quiet but understanding smile)
It’s all good. Just… think before you speak. We all have our assumptions, but they don’t always reflect reality.
(Sarah nods, and after a beat, walks off, visibly changed. Jamal watches her for a moment before turning to his phone.)
