Setting: A living room.

As the scene opens, Betty and Thelma sit casually talking. Beside Betty is a large handbags filled with  several journals of some kind, and beside Thelma is a handbag containing a large binder.

Betty:

I can’t believe this is the last time we’ll see each other, Thelma.

Thelma:

I hope it’s not the last time!  I’m not dying; I’m just moving to the east coast.

Betty:

I know, but it’s hard to believe you won’t be nearby anymore.  No more early morning coffees at the Java House, no more late night runs to the Donut Shack, no more lunches at Café Madison. 

Thelma:

Maybe now we’ll finally be able to lose those few extra pounds! (pats her stomach, as they both smile)  This is the hardest goodbye I’ve had to say. We’ve been friends for how long now, some twenty years?

Betty:

Ever since we started the children’s program at church, and you got that little girl to quit biting me every time I came within two feet of her. I’m really gonna miss you.

Thelma:

I’ve always had your back, Betty--a few hundred miles won’t change that. 

Betty:

It’s a two and a half day drive from here.  How are you gonna ‘have my back?’

Thelma:

Modern technology is wonderful.  With FaceBook, Skype and instant messaging, we’ll be able to stay in touch more after I leave than we do now. 

Betty:

I’m still going to miss you.  We’ve been through a lot together over the years. 

Thelma:

It’s funny you should mention that.  I was thinking about that very thing just the other day, which is why I brought these. (she pulls out some of the journals to show Betty)

Betty:

What are those?

Thelma:

They’re my prayer journals.  Actually, they’re your prayer journals.  After it was clear we were going to be such good friends, I started writing down all the things I’d pray about for you.  When we got the answer to the prayer, I’d write that down too.  See? (opens a journal and shows Betty)

Betty:

(takes the journal and begins looking through it) This is unbelievable.

Thelma:

Not really.  A lot of people keep a prayer journal.

Betty:

I know.  I’m one of those people.  Except mine is more like a binder.  This is what’s unbelievable.  (she pulls out her binder and hands it to Thelma) Take a look.

Thelma:

(takes the binder and begins to flip through it) You did the same thing….for me?

Betty:

I guess great minds think alike, huh?  

Thelma:

There’s over twenty years of memories in these pages.

Betty:

And so many answers to prayer!

Thelma lets out a small gasp

Betty:

What is it?

Thelma:

This was right after my first miscarriage.  That was a difficult time for Tom and I. 

Betty:

(gets a look of sadness on her face) I remember.  You’d been trying to get pregnant for so long and then when you finally did….(pause)….my heart ached for you both.

Thelma:

But look at the beautiful words you prayed....