The Setting of the Dialogue
Mrs. Williams was experiencing a serious problem with her skin. She was suffering a lot, tried numerous creams and other remedies, but the problem was getting more and more complicated. So, one day she had to see her doctor about the problem. The doctor took tests and found that the malady had an allergic character. The next day, he called Mrs. Williams to explain the results of the tests and give the list of the products she should not eat any longer.
Mrs. Williams was listening carefully. She wrote down all the products the doctor forbidden to her. The long list of items took two whole sheets in her notebook. Eventually, she left the list next to the telephone and went out to see her friends. When Mr. Williams came home, he noticed the list of products carefully written by his wife. Two hours later, his wife returned home and found her husband in an excellent mood.
The Dialogue
MRS. WILLIAMS: Hello, dear! It is so nice to see you. You returned quite early today.
MR. WILLIAMS: Hi, darling! Yes, I came earlier today because it was a calm day at work. So, I am here, I am not tired, and I am very glad to be that early at home. I was even able to help you with a small project about the house. This is my surprise to you today. Oh, by the way, how are doing? Where have you been just now? Do you have any nice news for me?
MRS. WILLIAMS: I am alright. I have just returned from Lucy’s place. We met there – me, and Lucy, and Silvia. You know they are going to buy a new car for Robert. You have probably heard, his new job is paying him fairly well. So, they wanted to emphasize their new status by buying a new car. They were thinking about the latest model of Lexus. They have also considered the variant of purchasing Porsche.
MR. WILLIAMS: Oh, yes. Robert is quite lucky this year. Everything he does is of great success. He has made such a great progress at work. I do remember how he talked to me about his new boss and his preference to him. Oh, so great for Robert to have all those blessings. I wish I could have such success in my work now. But instead, we are experiencing a difficult period and have to economize to have enough money for your birthday party on Saturday.
MRS. WILLIAMS: Yes, darling. But I am sure, these hard times will be in the past and everything will be fine, as usual.
MR. WILLIAMS: Yes, honey. I am also confident in it because you and me are a good team, and we understand and support each other all the time.
MRS. WILLIAMS: Yeah, dear, this is so true of us.
MR. WILLIAMS: Truly, darling, you know how I love you and I am trying to help you all the time. I appreciate your hard work both at home and at work. You are a very busy woman. I know how difficult it is for you. You have to do all those cleaning, and washing, and cooking, and shopping, and so on…I wish I could help you with all of those…
MRS. WILLIAMS: Yes, darling. I am so happy you take care of me so well. I am glad that I may offer you my help in earning our family income. Oh, and I wanted to tell you about my news from the doctor. Do you remember I visited the doctor yesterday about my health problem? The doctor called me with the results of the tests…
MR. WILLIAMS: Oh, darling, this is very good… Darling, listen, I have forgotten to tell you about my surprise to you. I have done all your shopping. See all those packs in the kitchen?
MRS. WILLIAMS [surprised]: Oh, what a surprise! This is so nice of you! You really make me a happy woman! Thank you, dear! But how did you know what I needed? I don’t remember how we talked about shopping either today or earlier.
MR. WILLIAMS: Well, when I got home, I was walking past the telephone and I noticed a list you have written. Oh, I must confess, the list amazed me. It was really immense. All those cakes, and pastries, an cookies, and buns, and pies, and candy bars, and chocolate, and biscuits, and sweets, and ice cream, and soda, and cola, and energy drinks, and all sorts of things…But then I thought it was your birthday soon. And I began to think you needed all those things for the party. So, as I love you so much, my dear, I decided to go to the supermarket and do the shopping for you.
MRS. WILLIAMS [astonished]: Oh, no!!! You have spent a fortune on the products the doctor forbidden to me! That was my list of products I must avoid.