[Setting]

The scene opens at a farmer's market. Elliot, as usual, looks mildly exasperated, clearly on a mission—he’s got a grocery list in his hand, and he’s wandering past various produce stands, scanning for something. The place is buzzing with shoppers, children running around, and vendors calling out about fresh tomatoes and baked goods.

Elliot finally spots what he’s looking for—a stall that sells pineapples. He walks over, giving the vendor a nod.

Vendor (cheerfully): “Good morning! Looking for some pineapple today?”

Elliot (sighing, more to himself): “Honestly, I’d rather not, but apparently it’s part of my life now.”

The vendor raises an eyebrow, looking slightly confused, but before anything else can be said, there’s a very loud bang, like a stall has been knocked over. Elliot looks over, his eyes widening as he spots—

The Goat: The very stubborn goat, back at it again, nudging its way through the market as people scramble to get out of its way. And behind the goat, of course, comes—

Claire (rushing over, waving apologetically): “I’m so sorry! He slipped out of his pen again! I swear, this goat is Houdini reborn!”

Elliot (sighing deeply, rubbing his temples): “Why is it always the goat?”

And just as Claire manages to grab the goat by the collar again, Elliot hears a voice behind him—one he’s come to both dread and, begrudgingly, almost anticipate.

God of Coincidence (grinning, stepping up to the pineapple stall): “Elliot, Claire, the goat! What a perfect trifecta. And at the pineapple stand, no less. I couldn’t have arranged it better if I tried.”

Elliot (turning to face the god, clearly unimpressed): “Did you try, though? Is this all part of whatever game you’re playing?”

God of Coincidence (smiling enigmatically): “Oh, who knows? Sometimes, things just fall into place. Like pineapples… rolling across a street.”

Claire (looking between Elliot and the god, holding the goat still): “Is this… a regular thing for you, Elliot? Because I’m starting to think I’ve wandered into something a bit beyond goat chasing.”

Elliot (groaning, gesturing towards the god): “This is… well, the god of coincidence, apparently. And yes, they show up a lot. Usually with a goat, an umbrella, or a saxophone involved.”

Claire (laughing, shaking her head): “Right. And now pineapples, I guess?”

God of Coincidence (nodding enthusiastically): “Ah, indeed! And it’s a very special pineapple today.”

The god reaches over and picks up a particularly ripe-looking pineapple from the stall, holding it up like it’s some kind of sacred artifact.

God of Coincidence (with a dramatic flourish): “This very pineapple is destined to make its way into the hands of someone most intriguing. But first, Elliot, it must pass through yours.”

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Elliot (deadpan): “I’m not sure I want to know what that means.”

Vendor (chiming in, clearly trying to make a sale): “You know, it’s just a regular pineapple. Best in the market though—nice and ripe.”

God of Coincidence (ignoring the vendor, offering the pineapple to Elliot): “Go on, take it. You see, Elliot, sometimes the smallest action—a purchase, a simple exchange—can set in motion events far beyond what we can imagine.”

Claire (grinning at Elliot): “He’s got a point. Besides, it’s just a pineapple. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Elliot (sighing, finally relenting): “Alright, fine. I’ll buy the stupid pineapple. But if this somehow leads to a goat starting a band or something, I’m out.”

God of Coincidence (laughing, patting Elliot on the back): “Oh, nothing so dramatic today. Though I can’t promise there won’t be music involved.”

Elliot hands the vendor a few bills, taking the pineapple reluctantly, almost as if it’s some sort of dangerous relic. The god looks delighted.

God of Coincidence: “Perfect. Now, you must give it away. But not just to anyone, Elliot—no, this pineapple has a very particular recipient. You’ll know them when you see them.”

Elliot (raising an eyebrow, holding the pineapple awkwardly): “Give it away? What kind of cosmic errand are you sending me on this time?”

God of Coincidence (winking): “Ah, that’s the fun part—you have to find out for yourself. But trust me, Elliot, this exchange is important. Just like the parrot, just like the red umbrella. It’s all leading somewhere… maybe.”

Claire (smiling, clearly enjoying this more than Elliot is): “Sounds like a quest. You know, like in those adventure movies.”

Elliot (grumbling): “Yeah, except instead of a magical artifact, it’s a pineapple. And instead of a brave adventurer, you get me.”

Claire (nudging him playfully): “Hey, you never know. Maybe you’ll be a hero after all.”

God of Coincidence (leaning in, whispering): “Or at least a very entertaining protagonist.”

Just as Elliot is about to argue, a small child runs up to the group, her eyes wide as she stares at the pineapple. She tugs on Elliot’s sleeve.

Little Girl (excitedly): “Wow, mister, is that for me? I love pineapples!”

Elliot (looking bewildered, then glancing at the god): “Seriously? Her?”

God of Coincidence (nodding, smiling broadly): “See? You knew her when you saw her.”

Claire (laughing): “Looks like you’ve found your recipient, Elliot. You might as well give it to her.”

Elliot sighs, kneeling down to hand the pineapple to the little girl, who beams at him like he’s just handed her a treasure.

Little Girl (hugging the pineapple, grinning): “Thank you, mister! My mom says pineapples are good luck!”

She runs off, holding the pineapple tightly, leaving Elliot staring after her with a mix of confusion and disbelief. He turns back to the god.

Elliot: “Good luck? Is that what this was about?”

God of Coincidence (smiling, looking pleased): “Perhaps. Or perhaps it was just about making her day a little brighter. You see, Elliot, sometimes coincidences aren’t about grand gestures or deep meanings. Sometimes, it’s just about a smile.”

Claire (nodding thoughtfully): “You know, that’s… actually kind of nice.”

Elliot (sighing, shaking his head): “Yeah, well, I still think this is all a cosmic joke at my expense. But I guess… there are worse ways to spend a morning.”

God of Coincidence (grinning, patting Elliot on the shoulder): “That’s the spirit! Now, who’s up for a cup of coffee? I hear there’s a stall just over there that has the best cappuccino in the city—if you get there before the goat does, of course.”

Elliot (groaning, but smiling slightly): “Of course. Let’s just hope the goat doesn’t decide to form a coffee shop choir.”

Claire (laughing, leading the goat along): “I don’t know, Elliot. I think that might actually be fun.”

The three of them—Elliot, Claire, and the god—head off towards the coffee stall, with the goat trotting lazily behind. For once, Elliot feels like maybe, just maybe, he’s getting the hang of this whole coincidence thing.

[End Scene]