O4m Barbershop Sc. 2 -

O4M pauses. For the first time, he looks at Ezra’s reflection—not his hair, not his posture, but his eyes.

Ezra reaches up, touches the back of his neck.

He makes the first cut. A small lock of hair falls onto the apron. Ezra flinches, but only slightly. o4m barbershop sc. 2

Ezra exits. The bell jingles.

Same time next month?

I’ll leave the middle chair warm.

You open?

He picks up the folded apron from the armrest. Shakes it out. Holds it for a moment—like a man remembering a handshake.

You want me to tell you it gets easier?