It’s a warm summer day. Around a square wooden table, 4 people are seated. While Xiao and Pameli occupy their own sides, the third side has a pair of 2 people: Angela and Roland. The air conditioner hums in the background, doing its best to chill the room.

ROLAND.
You can’t just keep staying silent, that’s not a solution.

ANGELA.
So you want me to lie instead?

ROLAND.
Yes, please.

XIAO.
I’m with Angela on this one, lying’s way worse.

PAMELI.
I’m also with Xiao with Angela on this one.

ROLAND.
You two stay out of this, I don’t need a gang against me.

ANGELA.
It’s still lying though.

ROLAND.
It’s a white lie, better than the alternative!

ANGELA.
White lies are still lies, that’s why they have “lie” in their name.

(Xiao chuckles at the exchange while Pameli goes to get water, sensing this might take a while.)

ROLAND.
If you stay silent, people will inevitably find out because you’re terrible at staying silent.

ANGELA.
How could I be terrible at saying nothing?

ROLAND.
Your version of staying silent writes the words on your face instead.

ANGELA.
I’ve got an amazing poker face.

PAMELI.
Yeah, I don’t know what you’re on about, Roland. By the way, call.

(Pameli throws more coins into the center of the table, acting as makeshift poker chips)

ANGELA.
I think you’re the one giving away my cards right now.

ROLAND.
Dear lord, please just lie instead! Any sort of mind game rather than your poker face!

XIAO.
Call. Roland, I think you’re just hyped up because she’s using your money.

ROLAND.
This is the thanks I get for trusting my own partner…

(Angela also calls. They flip their cards. Angela is on the losing side again as they all have a good laugh at Roland’s expense.)