Change is nothing like shattering on the ground. We rather trade schools for offices, slaves for prisoners.
“ You are the only young man that I know of who ignores the fact that the future becomes the present, the present the past, and the past turns into everlasting regret if you don’t plan for it ! ”
MAN, a giant.
MOUSE, a coward.
CAT, a threat.
RAT, a sage.
S C E N E O N E
The curtain opens mid-conversation. The MAN stands obscured, opposite the MOUSE, sitting halfway up a step ladder, back turned to the auditorium.
MAN . Some men are only born after they die. Not you! I won’t let it happen. Remember who you are. Remember : you are in love.
Pause.
MOUSE . But —
MAN . There’s no way to show you, you have to feel it. Your eyes and ears can only tell you so much. I always beg : mustn’t the monkey know why? Give me your hand and I’ll play upon your fingers like the keys of a piano, let me reveal to you what you’ve been thinking, what to express between the lines.
MOUSE . But I can’t!
Pause.
MOUSE . I can’t!
The MOUSE turns away from the MAN, revealing both of their faces.
MAN . But are you not a man?
Pause.
The MAN moves for the MOUSE’s hand.
MOUSE ( pulling away abruptly ) . No!
MAN ( to auditorium ) . Then what are you?
The MOUSE widens their eyes, so as to say : No, whatever I am, not that. Anything but that.
Blackout .
End of scene.
S C E N E T W O
The CAT’s dialogue is heard from all around. They speak without parting their lips.
The CAT is heard laughing from off stage.
Enter MOUSE . From right to left, cautiously, with closed eyes.
CAT . ( Off ) Did you know . . . some creatures will say nothing . . . and then wait for a response?
The MOUSE stops dead in its tracks.
Enter CAT . From right to left, slowly stalking.
CAT . Don’t you think . . . that’s just so . . . funny?
The MOUSE , still with closed eyes, begins to turn around.
Blackout .
CAT . What could they be waiting for?
End of scene.
S C E N E T H R E E
The MOUSE sits atop the step ladder, back turned to the auditorium. The RAT at their feet, facing them.
RAT . We’ve all been missing you, there’s been talk. Come down, why don’t you?
MOUSE . It’s better up here.
RAT . I can tell you’re hurting.
MOUSE . It’s an ache, but it’s mine.
RAT . Everyone is afraid of being understood. No one can ever give themselves completely to the world, and that’s all right. You just have to find the lies that work for you. Now, come down.
The MOUSE rises and stands atop the step ladder.
RAT . Stop!
Blackout .
RAT . Return to yourself!
The ladder is heard crashing onto the floor.
RAT . Wake up!
Curtains.