




Lilith: Must we really sit for one of these every goddamn year?
Caleb: It's decennial, Lil, just like your silly little parties. And, yes, we must. It's important to preserve the passage of time.
Lilith: You say that, but don't tell me there aren't decades you'd rather never think about again, let alone find hanging on your wall for an eternity.
Waiter: [whispers] Ms. Vatore, your guests are beginning to arrive.
Lilith: Oh, thank god! I feel like I'm calcifying over here.
Caleb: But the portrait's not even close to finished!
Lilith: Forget the portrait, Caleb. If they're a professional, which they should be, considering the obscene amount of money you paid them, they can finish the job without us. Now, come. We have a grand entrance to make. And can you at least pretend to be happy to be here? I even let you invite some of your dreadfully dull vegetarian friends.
Caleb: Would you really call everyone else on the list your friends?
Lilith: Not in the strictest sense of the word, no, but I like to know I've got them all under my thumb regardless.

