8 June 2015

PROMPT:  Rescue

Rebecca Beegle, writer/storyteller
Ariadne, 18, comes on stage carefully carrying a bowl.  Walking next to her is Briana, 17.  They  head for the far side of the stage.  A moment later, Jasper, 49, comes on in a bathrobe, following Ariadne and Briana.
JASPER
Do not feed that cat!
The young woman turn back toward Jasper.
ARIADNE
But it’s starving!
JASPER
It’s not starving.  Cats are mighty hunters.  Search...
(air quotes)
...“house cats hunting” on the internet.  You’ll find countless videos of those fluffy little killing machines slaughtering birds, mice, bunnies...
BRIANA
They’re not killing machines!
JASPER
Trust me, that cat has not missed a meal even if it’s feral and I doubt it is.  Just some neighborhood moocher.
ARIADNE
It’s cold outside!
JASPER
That’s why cats have fur coats.
BRIANA
It has no one to love it!
JASPER
(exasperated sigh)
Ladies, if you feed that cat, we will never get rid of it.
ARIADNE
I don’t want to get rid of it.
JASPER
You know Kathleen is allergic.
BRIANA
We won’t let it in the house.
JASPER
Just like you don’t sneak out of the house?
ARIADNE
We don’t sneak out!
JASPER
Then why are the screens off your windows.
BRIANA
(innocent, but a bad liar)
So I can sit in the window and look out.
JASPER
And why is there a path worn in the ivy.
Silence.
ARIADNE
We’re just gonna feed it this once.
BRIANA
It’s so cute!
Jasper sighs.
JASPER
Alright... Just this once.
ARIADNE
Thank you.
BRIANA
Thank you.
The girls go over to jasper.  Briana gives him a little hug.  Ariadne, standing on tip toes, gives him a peck on the cheek.
Jasper shakes his head and exits.
ARIADNE
We should ‘o told him we’ve been feeding the cat for a week.
BRIANA
(thinks a moment)
Nah!
End of play.