Ice-Cold Revenge

Anna and Bina (both late 30s) have just exited a house party and sit on a wall waiting for their cabs to take them home. There is a clear frostiness between them, and the reason for it soon becomes apparent. It is revealed that Anna and her cohorts, including a girl called ‘Big Erica’, had relentlessly and cruelly targeted the meek Bina by bullying her throughout their school years. As they continue to wait, Bina confronts Anna about the treatment she dished out to her over 20 years previous. Anna apologises for her actions, but Bina finds difficulty in accepting the apology as genuinely heartfelt. Bina explains that the treatment meted out to her, which included both physical and emotional torment, continued to affect her after she left school. She explains that she didn’t stay in education due to the bullying and was now a cleaner. However, she is proud of her career and explains she is lined up for an interview at a school the following week. Anna tells Bina that she stayed in education, went to university, and received a degree, enabling her to move into teaching. She now holds the position of head of Geography at a local secondary school. This information enrages Bina, and explains to Anna that she only attended the party after seeing her name tagged in a social media post to finally confront her school bully. She explains that she intended to exact physical and violent revenge on Anna in an act of overdue retribution. However, when she laid eyes on Anna again, she changed her mind as she saw herself as the ‘better person’. Anna is shocked and explains that the only reason she had for attending was to seek out Bina to apologise for her actions as a girl, as she was genuinely remorseful. After hearing what Bina wanted to do, she then expresses her regret for apologising. Anna’s cab arrives, and after revealing what school she was to have her interview, she happily tells Bina that it is the same institution she works at. Bina is surprised, and her shock is intensified by the revelation that the Headteacher she is due to see is ‘Big Erica’. Bina remains seated on the wall, stunned. Anna sticks her head out the window to wish ‘Bina the Cleaner’ good luck for the interview. She laughs as the cab drives away.