The Breakup

John and Helen are nineteen years old, walking slowly to the Chapel. John is wearing a trench coat, wool slacks. Helen is in a checkered dress, with black tights. They are immersed in each other’s presence.

JOHN

Have you read Alan Watts, The Way of Zen? Or Zen Flesh, Zen Bones?

HELEN

(interested) No. I’ve heard of the word. What does Zen mean.