Mercedes & Hilda B

Mercedes
Good morning, Hilda. Is anything troubling you today?

Hilda
Nope. Nothing.

Hilda
If there was, I don't think I'd ask for your help.

Mercedes
I'm sorry to hear that. Have I done something to upset you?

Hilda
Not exactly. You go overboard helping me, is all.

Hilda
You do way, way too much.

Hilda
So I feel guilty, like I'm putting you out.

Mercedes
Goodness! It was never my intention to have you worry about me!

Hilda
Hm. Can I ask you something?

Mercedes
Of course. What is it?

Hilda
What are you doing today?

Mercedes
Following my morning prayers, I'll be cleaning the altar then caring for the flowers in the greenhouse.

Mercedes
Then it's off to the library to help organize and sort, then to the dining hall to wipe down the tables and chairs. The floors could use a good polish too...

Mercedes
Oh! And the weather's so nice that I might air out the bedding! After that it's—

Hilda
Wow, you're still not done? There's more?

Mercedes
Well, the dishcloths in the dining hall are all frayed, so I was hoping to mend them.

Hilda
Sewing! Don't you think that's too much?

Mercedes
Whatever do you mean? And why are you speaking so loudly all of a sudden?

Hilda
Ugh! I'll help with the dining hall. But I am not sewing.

Mercedes
You want to help? That would be delightful!

Hilda
Everyone asks you for help, and you always say yes, don't you?

Mercedes
I suppose. I believe it's important to help where you can.

Mercedes
If you see someone in trouble, you can't leave them, can you?

Hilda
You're too kind, Mercedes—literally. I can't empathize.

Mercedes
I'm sure you can. You and I are very similar in that way.

Hilda
Are you serious? How? We have nothing in common.

Mercedes
That may be so, but you thought I was in trouble and you agreed to help, didn't you?

Hilda
Well, I mean, yes.

Mercedes
That's exactly what I do! I'm so happy to have found a kindred spirit!

Hilda
Uh... If that's what makes you happy, OK. Kindred spirits, let's go with that.

Mercedes
Now that I've got you at my side, I can take on even more responsibilities!

Hilda
Not a chance!