2 Aug 2015

PROMPT:


Bob, 55, sits stiffly in a chair.  There is a knock on a door.  Daisy, 18, peeks in.
DAISY
(quietly, concerned)
Are... are you all right?
BOB
(not looking at Daisy, angry)
Did it seem like I was alright when I stomped out of the room screaming two minutes ago?!
DAISY
(hesitantly)
N... no.
BOB
You heard the door to this room slam when I entered?
DAISY
Yes.
BOB
Three times, right?
DAISY
Three times.
BOB
You heard me shouting and cursing from behind the closed door?!
DAISY
I think the neighbors heard you shouting and cursing.
Bob has not yet turned toward Daisy, but now he does as he slowly stands.
BOB
So your question, am I alright, was rhetorical, right?
DAISY
I... I don’t know what...
(pronouncing the word carefully)
... rhe-tor-ical means.
BOB
A rhetorical question is a question you ask that you already know the answer to.
DAISY
Oh... Yes.  I guess it was... rhetorical.
BOB
You knew what the answer was?
DAISY
I knew.
BOB
(shouting and stomping toward Daisy, who retreats and cringes)
Then why, the fuck, did you disturb my solitude and open the door and ask it!?
Silence.
DAISY
(still cringing)
I... I was worried about you.
Daisy words strike Bob almost like a blow.  He stops steps back and sinks onto the chair.
BOB
(he knows the answer)
Why did you cringe?
DAISY
I thought you might hit me.
Bob’s head falls.
BOB
That was a rhetorical question.  I’m... I’m sorry I scared you.
DAISY
I knew in my head you wouldn’t hit me, but my body just... reacted.
Silence.
BOB
I’m sorry I stormed out.
DAISY
Sometimes people just need to be alone.
BOB
That’s right.  I didn’t want to say anything else that was stupid...
DAISY
You didn’t say anything that was stupid.  You were saying things I needed to hear.
BOB
I didn’t need to shout them.
Silence.
DAISY
I... I have a lot of anxiety.
BOB
I know.  Me too.
DAISY
Sometimes I make decision because of my anxiety rather than...
Silence.
BOB
Me too.
Silence.
DAISY
Will... you give me a hug?
BOB
(smiling a little)
Are you sure?
DAISY
Yes.
Daisy holds out her arms and Bob gives her a gentle hug, and then steps back.
BOB
Will you give me a minute?
Daisy nods and leaves.  Bob sits down and breaths a big sigh of relief.
End of play.