The Girl:
Who are you?
David Locke:
I used to be someone else, but I traded him in. Uh, what about it?
The Girl:
Well, I'm in Barcelona. I'm talking with someone who is somebody else.
The Girl:
People disappear every day.
David Locke:
Every time they leave the room.
David Locke:
Now I think I'm going to be a waiter in Gibraltar.
The Girl:
Too obvious.
David Locke:
Maybe a novelist in Cairo.
The Girl:
Too romantic.
David Locke:
How about a gunrunner?
The Girl:
Too unlikely.
David Locke:
As a matter of fact, I think I *am* one.
The Girl:
Then it depends on which side you're on.
David Locke:
Yes.
David Locke:
[
from Locke's recorder] We translate every situation, every experience into the same old codes. We just condition ourselves.
Robertson, the Dead Man:
[
from Locke's recorder] We are creatures of habits.
David Locke:
Excuse me. I was trying to remember something.
The Girl:
Is it important?
David Locke:
No.
David Locke:
I've run out of everything - my wife... the house... an adopted child... a successful job... everything except a few bad habits I could not get rid of.
David Locke:
What can you see now?
The Girl:
[
looking out the window] A man scratching his shoulder, a kid throwing stones, and dust. It's very dusty here.
Achebe:
Your question are much more revealing about yourself than my answer would be about me.
David Locke:
My name is Robertson. I've been waiting for someone who hasn't arrived.
Man With Cane:
Ninos. I've seen so many of them grow up. Other people look at the children and they all imagine a new world. But me, when I watch them, I just see the same old tragedy begin all over again.
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