Brilliant in Goal

(Outside the sports hall at Bramfield High. Wednesday, after school.)

Emily: You're signing up for hockey? Seriously?

Ryan: Why not? I'm getting better.

Emily: Ryan, you hit my leg last week. Twice.

Ryan: I'm improving. That's what practice is for.

Emily: Practice is for people who can hit the ball.

Ryan: Okay, that's a bit much. I'm faster than you.

Emily: You're faster, yes. But my ball goes where I want it. Your ball goes where it wants.

Ryan: Well, I'm signing up anyway. It's a free country.

Emily: It's a free country with one team and eleven places.

(The coach comes out with a list and a pen.)

Coach: Good news, you two. Ten places are full. I need one more player — in goal.

Emily: In goal? Nobody wants goal.

Coach: Somebody has to. Who's better in goal?

Emily: Ryan is. Definitely. He's brilliant in goal.

Ryan: Ten seconds ago I couldn't hit a ball.

Emily: And in goal, you don't have to.