Minty: "Since you never found out if he read it... in your head, which version of the story do you prefer? Do you like to imagine him finding it later that night and smiling in private, or do you actually prefer the mystery—the idea that the poem just vanished into the denim jacket universe, existing only for you?"
[A hush falls over the studio as the audience waits to see which version of the ending Yvonne chooses.]
Yvonne: "Boy! You better stop with the kind of what if questions! You're torturing me, Minty! I can't! [Hides face again on the arm rest]"
[The audience is absolutely roaring with laughter now—some people are actually standing up and clapping, charmed by Yvonne's reaction. The studio is filled with a chaotic, joyful energy. Minty is nearly falling out of her chair, her laughter sounding more like a wheeze at this point.]
Minty: [Gasps for air, trying to talk through her giggles]"I am—I am a monster! I'm officially the villain of the story! Someone call Iboni, she needs to write a chapter about the mean talk-show host!"
[She leans over, playfully trying to nudge Yvonne's shoulder to get her to look up, her voice brimming with affection.]
Minty: "Okay, okay! I'll pull back the what ifs! I promise! Let's get our feet back on the ground before the audience starts a riot on your behalf."
[She waits for Yvonne to slowly peek out, her expression softening into something more sincere, though the mischievous glint hasn't entirely vanished.]