24 July 2015

PROMPT:  Don't think of a monkey.

Kent Cole, guitarist

Hilda, 34, stands waiting with her friend, Regina, 34.  Donny, 40, enters with a bit of a swagger, wearing a large semi-automatic pistol in a holster at his waist.  Hilda’s eyes bulge at the sight of the pistol and she glances at Regina who is looking the other direction.  Hilda gives Regina a nudge and when Regina turns Hilda gives a little head nod toward Donny.  Regina sees the weapon and stiffens.  The women glance at the gun all through the scene.
DONNY
Evening, ladies.
HILDA
Ah... Hi.
REGINA
Hi.
HILDA
We’re just... we’re waiting for a friend.
DONNY
Going to the movie?
HILDA
(nervous)
Yes, yes, yes.
DONNY
Which movie are you going to?
HILDA
Um...
(turning to Regina)
Which movie are we going to... see?
REGINA
We’re waiting for our friend.
DONNY
I believe I heard that.
REGINA
Yes, of course you did.  Um, we’re waiting for our friend so he can help us decide.
HILDA
He’s an ex-marine.
DONNY
I’m a vet myself.  Two tours in Iraq and a tour in Afghanistan.
Donny absent-mindedly rests his hand on the handle of his pistol.  The women cringe slightly.
REGINA
Timmy, Tim, our friend, Tim, was stationed in North Carolina.  Supply... officer.
DONNY
Couldn’t have fought the war with the men... and women, in supply.  Kept the ammo coming.
HILDA
Thank God for... supply.
DONNY
Amen.
Silence.
REGINA
What... movie are you going to?
DONNY
(laughing)
The shoot ‘em, of course.  What else?
HILDA
What... what else, indeed.
DONNY
I love car chases and automatic weapons fire and explosions.
REGINA
Who... doesn’t love a good... explosion.
DONNY
Takes me back to my days fighting the war.
HILDA
I’ll bet.
Silence.  Donny looks above the heads of the audience like he’s reading.
DONNY
I believe my pictures about to start.
REGINA
Enjoy.
HILDA
Yes, yes... enjoy.
DONNY
Thank you, ladies.  I hope you enjoy your film as well.
Donny leaves.
Hilda and Regina look at each other nervously.
HILDA
I believe I’ve lost interest.
REGINA
Me, too.
HILDA
I’ll send Timmy a text.
Hilda takes out her phone as they exit in the opposite direction from Donny.
End of play.