Scene 1: Apartment hallway, 6:30 a.m. Maya locks her door; Tom steps out. Aisha rushes up the stairs.
TOM: Morning, Maya. You’re up so early again.
MAYA: (laughs) I usually start at seven. I always pack my lunch the night before. Saves time.
TOM: I often hit snooze and then rush. My train leaves at 7:10, but I’m sometimes late.
MAYA: You should try a checklist. I always make coffee, stretch for five minutes, and check my schedule.
TOM: (smiles) My routine is… less organized. I usually scroll on my phone too long.
AISHA: (hurrying) Hey, neighbors! Sorry—I’m rarely this awake. I closed at the café last night.
MAYA: Good morning, Aisha. Do you have class today?
AISHA: Yes, a seminar at nine. I usually read on the bus, but today I might grab an espresso first.
TOM: Let’s walk to the corner together. I always feel more awake after fresh air.
Bus stop near the bakery, 7:00 a.m. A bus approaches; a train whistle sounds.
MAYA: I often see families at the clinic in the morning—kids with coughs, routine checkups.
AISHA: Do you ever skip breakfast?
MAYA: Almost never. If I do, I feel tired by ten. Greek yogurt is my quick option.
TOM: I sometimes skip it, then I usually buy a muffin near the office. Not ideal.
AISHA: My routine changes with shifts. On class days, I usually meditate for five minutes. It helps me focus.
TOM: That sounds useful. I should probably try that before emails.
MAYA: What about exercise?
TOM: I often jog after work, unless I stay late.
AISHA: I rarely have energy at night, so I sometimes do a short yoga video in the morning.
MAYA: I usually walk home from the hospital to clear my mind.
AISHA: That’s my bus. See you this evening?
MAYA: I finish at three. I usually prep dinners for the week on Mondays.
TOM: I’ll be back around six. Maybe we can share a simple meal?
AISHA: Perfect. I’ll bring salad and bread.
Shared kitchen, 6:45 p.m. Soup, salad, and bread on the table.
MAYA: Today went smoothly. I always feel better when I plan.
TOM: I tried your advice—no phone for the first thirty minutes. I actually caught the earlier train.
AISHA: And my espresso plan worked. I usually crash at noon, but not today.
MAYA: What will you change tomorrow?
TOM: I’ll usually prep breakfast at night—oats and fruit.
AISHA: I’ll keep the morning yoga, even if it’s just ten minutes.
MAYA: And I’ll set a reminder to stretch at lunch. I sometimes forget.
TOM: Funny—our lives are different, but the same rules help: plan a little, move a little, rest a little.
AISHA: And eat together whenever possible.
MAYA: Deal. New routine: neighbors’ dinner once a week.
ALL: (clink glasses) Cheers—to small habits and good friends!
— THE END —