INT. CAFETERIA - DAY

A large noisy high school cafeteria. Friend groups are easily distinguished from each other by empty seats in between. 

Two friends, A and B, sit diagonally from each other.

A

(To the general friend group)

So, did you guys hear about the protests in D.C. last week?

B finishes the last of his pizza and wipes his mouth with a napkin.

B

(Responds directly to A)

Protests on what? Theres been quite a few recently.

A realizes that everyone else in the group is on their phones.

A

(Focuses the discussion directly with B)

Abortion. Speaking of which …

(Pauses)

It’s a difficult topic to reach a consensus.

B rolls his hands together and puts them under his chin like a stand. He looks at A and listens.

A

B, what is your opinion on abortion?

B

Personally, I’m against it. As you said it’s difficult to reach a consensus since people from different generations have a different viewpoint on this.

A

But, look, B. You and I are from the same … 

B

(Cuts A off)

Yes, I know we’re from the same generation, but I mean… We’re influenced by, you know, culture and personal experiences… But I take it that you’re pro-abortion?

A

Yes.

B

So why don’t we start by having you tell me your reason?

A

So first of all, I’d like to establish that being pregnant and giving birth can sometimes cause a woman to die. Do you agree?

B

(Nods)

Yea, go on.

A

And when a woman is raped, should she be allowed to abort the baby?

B

Yea, there should be exceptions.

A

So then why do some babies get to die, while others live?

B

(A little confused)

What do you mean?

A

Like, in general, what gives you, or anyone, the right to decide that one child can live while the other dies? Also, what if some people pretended that they were raped, even during a court case? They could take an oath and still lie. Nobody could find out.

B

Yea, I understand the lying part, but I’m still thinking about the first thing…

A

That’s why it’s such a finicky topic and hasn’t been resolved yet.

The lunch bell rings. Everyone cleans up, grabs their bags, and heads out to their next classes.