Scene: A quiet city sidewalk. A police officer stands by his patrol car, sipping coffee. A woman walks by, slows down, then stops.
WOMAN:
“You always park here?”
COP (smirking):
“Only when the coffee’s this good.”
She glances at the nearby café. Nods.
WOMAN:
“I’ve seen you around. You don’t really look like a cop.”
COP:
“What do cops look like?”
WOMAN (shrugs):
“Older. Meaner. Less… chill.”
COP (chuckling):
“Don’t let the chill fool you. I’ve had my days.”
A beat of silence. She leans against the post, curious now.
WOMAN:
“Ever get tired of it? You know, stopping people, dealing with trouble every day?”
COP:
“Yeah. Sometimes. But someone’s gotta do it.
And most days, it’s not about chasing bad guys.
It’s about moments like this.”
WOMAN:
“What do you mean?”
COP (smiling faintly):
“Talking to someone who doesn’t hate me. That’s rare lately.”
She looks at him for a second — like she sees something human underneath the badge.
WOMAN (gently):
“Maybe people would talk more… if more cops were like you.”
COP:
“Maybe. Or maybe I’m just lucky you stopped to say hi.”
A moment of quiet respect between strangers.
