The scene opens in a park on a sunny Saturday morning. Anna is sitting on a bench, scrolling on her phone. Ben jogs up to her, full of energy.
BEN: Anna! You made it! I didn't think you'd actually get out of bed.
ANNA: Hey, Ben. My alarm went off, and I almost hit snooze. I just feel so tired all the time. Work has been crazy.
BEN: That’s exactly why we’re here! A little fresh air will do you good. Come on, let’s do a quick stretch.
(Anna reluctantly stands up and imitates Ben's stretches. Maria, a kind-looking older woman, walks by with a small bag of groceries.)
MARIA: Good morning, you two! It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?
BEN: Good morning, Maria! It certainly is.
ANNA: Hi, Maria.
MARIA: You seem a little low on energy, dear. Is everything alright?
ANNA: I’m just so exhausted. I work late, I eat dinner on my sofa, and then I fall asleep with my laptop still on. I know it’s not good, but I don’t have time for anything else.
MARIA: I remember those days. But our bodies are like gardens. If we don’t take care of them, the flowers won’t grow. It’s not about having more time; it’s about using the time you have wisely.
BEN: Exactly! Like a little walk. Or drinking more water instead of coffee.
MARIA: And what you eat is so important. I walk to the market every morning to get fresh vegetables. A little soup, a little salad. It makes a big difference. It's my secret to having so much energy.
(Maria holds up her small grocery bag with a smile. Anna looks from Maria to Ben, and then around the park at the other people walking and running.)
ANNA: So, a walk, a few fresh vegetables… it sounds so simple.
BEN: It is! We don’t have to run a marathon every day. Just a small, good habit. A few minutes of stretching, a walk around the block after work.
MARIA: Think of it as an investment. You are investing in your own well-being. And the payoff is feeling good, having more energy.
ANNA: Okay. I can try that. Maybe I can walk home from work instead of taking the bus one day this week.
BEN: Great idea! And I can help you find some quick, healthy dinner recipes. No more eating on the sofa.
MARIA: That's the spirit! One small step leads to another. And before you know it, you’ll be a beautiful garden yourself.
(Maria smiles and continues on her way. Anna and Ben look at each other, then Anna takes a deep breath of fresh air.)
ANNA: Alright, Ben. Let’s do it. What’s our first "small step"?
(Ben grins, and they begin to do some light exercises together as the scene fades.)
(End of Scene)