23 June 2015

PROMPT:  In a crowded city, sometimes the best gift you can give somebody is a little bit of space.

Zeb L. West, writer/performer

Ibrahim, 55, and Lana, 55, stand on far upstage  right, talking.
IBRAHIM
(anxious)
Was that the door?
LANA
I didn’t hear anything.
Sound of a door slamming.
IBRAHIM
(resigned)
Shit.
LANA
That was a door.
They look at each other.
IBRAHIM
(knowing the answer, but hoping for something different)
I should follow?
LANA
Of course you should follow!
Ibrahim starts off stage right.
IBRAHIM
(checking his pocket)
I’ve got my phone.
Ibrahim exits stage right.
Lights down.
Lights up.
ATALANTA enters downstage right walking quickly.  Ibrahim, his cell phone to his ear, enters a some steps behind her.
IBRAHIM
I found her.
Atalanta stops and glares back at Ibrahim.
ATALANTA
(screaming)
Is that the cops?!  Are you calling the cops!?
Ibrahim stops and holds the phone down.
IBRAHIM
(quietly, calm)
No.  It’s just Lana.  I’m letting her know that you’re okay.
ATALANTA
She doesn’t give a shit about me!  Neither of you does!
IBRAHIM
If I didn’t care, I wouldn’t follow.
ATALANTA
How could you care?!  I keep running away!
IBRAHIM
(with a smile and a shrug)
I’m just weird that way, young lady.
Atalanta screams at him and then marches off stage left.
IBRAHIM
(into the phone)
I gotta go dear, she’s on the move again.
Ibrahim hangs up and follows Atalanta.
Lights down.
Lights up.
Lana’s phone rings.  She answers.
LANA
(into the phone, concerned)
Where are you?
(waits for an answer)
You need me to bring the car?
(waits)
The long way home... Okay.
(waits)
You’re a saint.
Lana hangs up and pockets her phone.
Lights down.
Lights up.
Atatlanta, sweating, marches across stage.  She stops just before exiting and just as Ibrahim, sweating, enters.  She glares back at Ibrahim.  Ibrahim stops.
ATALANTA
Stop following me!
Atalanta exits.  Ibrahim follows and exits.
Lights down.
Lights up.
Atalanta crosses the stage and stops at the far side.  As Ibrahim steps onstage, Atalanta exits.
Ibrahim’s phone rings.  He stops and answers
IBRAHIM
(listens)
Ah...
(looks around)
...Park and Quail Creek.
(listens)
I’m trying not to get too close.
(listens)
She needs time to think... Make a good decision.
(listens)
I’m okay.
(listens)
Feels a little like I’m running a wounded animal to ground.
(listens)
Not yet.  Don’t call the police yet.
(listens)
Okay.
Ibrahim hangs up and exits off stage after Atalanta.
Lights down.
Lights up.
Atalanta enters.  She is still walking fast, but now covered in sweat.  A few steps behind follows Ibrahim, also sweating.  Atalanta stops and turns back to Ibrahim.
ATALANTA
What the fuck do you want from me?!
Ibrahim stops several steps behind.
IBRAHIM
I want you to come home.
ATALANTA
I don’t have a home.
Atalanta marches off stage.  Ibrahim sighs and follows.
Lights down.
Lights up.
Ibrahim stands at the middle of the stage talking on his phone.
IBRAHIM
Apartments...
(listens)
I’m not sure what the name is.
(listens)
She knocked on a door, but no one answered.
(listens)
Well, I’ve talked to some teenagers hangin’ out in the court yard here.  They thought it was funny.
(listens)
She went in this little building in the court yard.  Looks like a... laundry area.
(listens)
She shut the door.  I haven’t tried it.  I want her to come out on her own.
(listens)
No, I haven’t really talked to her...
(looks offstage)
She’s coming out.  Gotta go!
Ibrahim hangs up.  Atalanta comes on stage.  She holds up her arm which is bloody.
IBRAHIM
(moving toward her, scared)
Atalanta.  Are you hurt?
Atalanta runs to him.
ATALANTA
(angry)
Is this what you want?!
She smears her bloody arm on Ibrahim’s face and shirt.
She steps back, looks at what she’s done, and starts crying.
She runs off stage.
Ibrahim takes out his phone and dials.
IBRAHIM
Yes, ma’am, I have an emergency.
Lights down.
Lights up.
Atalanta is huddled on stage.  Ibrahim stands nearby, blood drying on his face and shirt.  Sirens can be heard in the distance gradually growing louder.
IBRAHIM
It’s going to be alright.
ATALANTA
Did you call the police?
IBRAHIM
I just called for an ambulance.
ATALANTA
Why?!
IBRAHIM
You’re bleeding.
ATALANTA
I am?
Atalanta holds up her arm.
ATALANTA
I’m bleeding.
Ibrahim squats down.
IBRAHIM
Can I... come over and help you.
Atalanta nods.  Ibrahim crawls over.
End of play.