9 July 2015

PROMPT:  No one expected a plague quite like that in the summer I was nine. 

Kristen Gandrow, writer/dramaturg/arts administrator/teacher 

Patricia, 41, and Johnny, 9, walk down the street together (across the stage.)  The wailing of a Civil Air Defense siren is heard.  The siren continues through the whole scene
JOHNNY
(cringing slightly)
Mommy, what is that?
PATRICIA
It’s an air raid siren.
JOHNNY
An air raid siren?
PATRICIA
Yes, if we were being attacked by the Cubans or the Soviets, that’s the sound you will hear.
JOHNNY
(looking up into the sky)
Are we being attacked?
PATRICIA
I don’t know.
JOHNNY
If we are being attacked, what are we supposed to do?
PATRICIA
I don’t know.
JOHNNY
Why do they want to attack us?
PATRICIA
Because we are a threat to them.
JOHNNY
Why don’t we stop threatening them?
PATRICIA
It’s... it’s kind of complicated.
JOHNNY
Do they want something?
PATRICIA
Yes.
JOHNNY
What?
PATRICIA
I’m... not sure.
Silence.
JOHNNY
Maybe we should go home.
PATRICIA
I thought you wanted ice cream.
JOHNNY
I’m not hungry anymore.
Silence.
PATRICIA
Let’s go home.
They turn around and walk the other way.
End of play.