In Gregory’s office, hours later.

GREGORY: (Standing at his window staring out, eyes full of tears)

FRED: (After several unanswered knocks, walks in) I’m here if you need me buddy!

(To the side of the stage we see what Gregory is seeing. Outside, Naledi takes out her lunch and gives it to an elderly homeless man sitting on the pavement. In her smart work clothes she does not hesitate to sit down next to the man and give him a hug when he starts crying.)

GREGORY: (Talking to himself) Why can’t Kate be more like–

FRED: (Standing directly behind Gregory) Like Naledi?!

GREGORY: (Slightly startled) Geez Fred! Are you trying to finish me off?

FRED: (Ignoring the question and observing Naledi giving the homeless man a R50 note) Because Kate … Kate’s priorities are different.

GREGORY: (Mumbles under his breath) Got that right.

FRED: What happened?

GREGORY: (A tear rolls down his cheek) She brings out the worst in me. Yesterday I …

FRED: Did you guys have another fight?

GREGORY: (Silence)

FRED: You guys fight all the time. You’ll kiss and make up, she’ll buy yet another expensive outfit, and everything will be fine. Make-up sex is the best!

GREGORY: (Stoney faced) Not this time.

FRED: (Laughs uncomfortably) You don’t mean that. Do you?

GREGORY: Sadly, I do. Last night I almost …

FRED: (Concerned) What?

GREGORY: (Drops his head in shame and closes his eyes) I … I almost hit her. (Turns to face Fred) Fred, last night I almost hit my wife.

FRED: (Sounding alarmed) B-but you didn’t … right? You didn’t do it. Please tell me you didn’t hit Kate?

GREGORY: I’ve never been so angry in my life and … to think l almost …

FRED: (Still unsure) But you didn’t right? You couldn’t have. It’s not in your nature to–

GREGORY: (Interrupts) No, I didn’t, but that’s not the point.

FRED: Sure it is! You didn’t hit her and that means you guys can work through this. You can–

GREGORY: (Interrupts again) Fred, we’re no good for each other! You didn’t see the absolute fear in her eyes just before I was about to … I’m afraid. I’m afraid of what might happen next time we have a blow-up like that. I’m not that guy.

***

Tell us: Is Gregory right that their fights might lead to him hitting her, against what he believes about domestic violence and woman abuse?