Chocolate Pudding

By
Samuel Mui
 ACT 1
The Daughter and K are sitting in their car,
driving along the highway. They’re dressed in
fancy attire - presumably going for a date. The
Daughter is in the driver’s wheel.
K
It’s nice to finally have a night out. Alone... with
you.

THE DAUGHTER
Same. I’ve really missed you. How’s work been?
K
Absolutely disgusting. Whole lotta patients came into
the ward this week. One guy... let me tell you about
this guy. He comes in with a searing pack in his back -
says that he’s been going to a chiropractor but it
hasn’t helped at all! So, logically, we decide to do an
MRI - and guess what?
THE DAUGHTER
What?
K
We find a whole goddamn pair of surgical scissors
inside, left behind from a previous surgery.

THE DAUGHTER
Wait. What?
K
Exactly. Unfortunately, it’s a thing that happens
sometimes, due to exhaustion or just the one-off brain
fart. Can you believe it?
THE DAUGHTER
I guess I could. Can it even happen to professionals...
such as yourself?

K
(laughs)
Oh, I wouldn’t know - but yes, even the most
experienced professionals amongst us can slip up.
(beat)
How’s your work?
K
Every time I bring it up you change the subject.
 2.

THE DAUGHTER
I’d... rather not talk about it.

K
You’re doing it again.
THE DAUGHTER
Look. I’m sorry. It’s just that... It’s just that it
involves sensitive government matters and I could get
into trouble talking about it. I’d rather not bring it
here - between us... You understand me right?
K
Alright, I understand.

THE DAUGHTER
Thanks.
K
I just... would like to know the reasons as to why
exactly you’ve been canceling on me.

THE DAUGHTER
(beat)
I’m sorry. I can’t say.
K
I see.
A moment of awkward silence before their
expressions change and the both of them put it
behind them.

K
(smiling)
Wanna know what I’m craving?
THE DAUGHTER
What?
K
(cheekily)
Guess.

THE DAUGHTER
(sighs)
Babe, we’re on the way for dinner. I swear, we already
have reservations at the Cambodian place and if you are
craving anything else-

K
Oh no. This isn’t an immediate craving. It’s not even a
dinner craving if you catch my drift. I’ll narrow it
down - it’s more of a snack.
 3.

THE DAUGHTER
Snack huh? Beef jerky?
K
Nope. Sweeter.

THE DAUGHTER
Mango Lassi?
K
It’s not a drink.

THE DAUGHTER
Chocolate?
K
Close.

THE DAUGHTER
I give up.
K
But you’re getting closer!
THE DAUGHTER
I’m lazyyyyyyyy... Just tell me what it is so you can
stop hinting about your cravings and we can go get it
after dinner.

K
Was it obvious that I was hinting???
THE DAUGHTER
Very. I know you too well.

K
Fair enough... It’s chocolate pudding. Specifically the
ones that come in the cute, little cups.
THE DAUGHTER
Seriously?
K
Yes. Seriously.
THE DAUGHTER
We’re on the way to a fancy restaurant and what you’re
craving is a children’s snack that you can get in a six
pack for 2 bucks?
K
Hey, don’t judge me. It’s not like I’m not looking
forward to dinner.
 4.

THE DAUGHTER
(jokingly)
Oh god... Why am I even with you, you uncultured
swine...

K
Because you love me.
THE DAUGHTER
Do I now?

K
Don’t deny it. You’re attracted to my unique blend of
intelligence and child-like wonder.
THE DAUGHTER
Intelligence is... an exagerration.

K
Come on, they don’t just give out PhDs in Neurology
like candy.
THE DAUGHTER
No, but they sell them in little pills that go for over
a million bucks.
K
Hey hey hey, I earned my doctorate. Despite my
father’s-

THE DAUGHTER
I know, I know.
(laughs)
I just like teasing you... Honestly, in this age that’s
really impressive.
K
Thank you.
(beat)
Aaand that’s why you love me.

THE DAUGHTER
Right back at cha’.
K
Say it.

THE DAUGHTER
No.
K
Say it!!!
 5.

THE DAUGHTER
Stooopp.
K
Say it. Just once. Come on.

THE DAUGHTER
FINE!
They turn over to look at K.

THE DAUGHTER
I... love you.
K
Not so difficult huh?

The Daughter turns their eyes away from the road

to look at the person they love. Their brief
moment of tranquility is suddenly cut short as K
looks back on the road and notices an oncoming
car.

K
FUUUUUU-
The both of them scream. The lights black out as
their cries are swallowed by the sound of a car
crash. The sound of ambulance sirens follow soon
after.
 6.

ACT 2
The Daughter waits in a hospital hallway in
tattered clothes. They are still but not relaxed,
as if waiting for their number to pop up at a
government office. Their face is hardened into a
vacant stare as they grasp their hands together,
tightly. The Admin walks in, approaches them
slowly, and sits beside them. They pull out a
packet of candy and offers the Daughter one.

THE ADMIN
Peanut M&M?
THE DAUGHTER
I prefer original.

THE ADMIN
Fair enough.
(beat)
How’re they doing?
THE DAUGHTER
Still under surgery. Nurse said it will take a few
hours. The injuries aren’t too serious, they tell me. I
hope they’re right.
THE ADMIN
I see.
(beat)
You know, you should’ve told me you were seeing
someone.
THE DAUGHTER
And?
THE ADMIN
Well, I could have prepared a contingency... insurance
in the event of something like this. Maybe even give
him access to some of our finest.

THE DAUGHTER
I can pay for it fine on my own, thank you.
THE ADMIN
It’s not about the money. Think of it more of a
gesture.
(beat)
I just care about you; I’m sure you know.
The Daughter remains silent.
 7.

THE ADMIN
How are you feeling?

THE DAUGHTER
Hungry. Had to skip dinner.
THE ADMIN
Do you still want an M&M? Or something else. We can go
to the cafeteria.

THE DAUGHTER
Thanks... but again, no thanks. I don’t think I can
eat.
THE ADMIN
You have to eat something. Even if it’s candy.
THE DAUGHTER
No thanks.
THE ADMIN
No, I insist. This isn’t-
THE DAUGHTER
(into the Admin)
I SAID NO!

The Admin is taken aback and slaps them. The

Daughter doesn’t react and resumes her former
sitting position.
THE ADMIN
You don’t have to shout.
The Daughter remains silent.
THE ADMIN
Anyway, I got a job for you.
(beat)
This is of upmost importance and time is definitely of
the essence. The Broker and the Bitch have gone dark
and we can’t track them down... right around the same
time the Miracle Extract goes missing. I suspect that
they are responsible for stealing it, probably to sell
it to a rival company. I need you to find out who
they’re selling to before disposing of them. I’m sure
you can accomplish that at least.
(beat)
I’ll pay you triple... no, quadruple your normal pay.
(beat)
And I’m afraid I can’t take no for an answer.
The Daughter remains silent.
 8.

THE ADMIN
(sighing)
Do you know the works of John Stuart Mill?
(beat)
Well long story short he was a philosopher and
political economist. He’s considered one of the core
fathers of Ethics - specifically utilitariansim. Do you
know what that means... Daughter?
(beat)
No?
(clears his throat)
"Actions are right in proportion as they tend to
promote happiness; wrong as they tend to produce the
reverse of happiness. By happiness is intended pleasure
and the absence of pain."
(beat)
That’s one of his most famous quotes. However put
simply, what it really means that whatever we do, it is
imperative that we must do it for...?
He leans forward, expecting them to answer it for
him.
THE DAUGHTER
The happiness of mankind?

THE ADMIN
YES! Good - very good! For the happiness of mankind!
The most essential form of greater... no, GREATEST good
achievable.
THE DAUGHTER
Yes yes. The happiness of mankind. Sure.
The Admin takes the Daughter’s hands in his and
looks her in the eyes.
THE ADMIN
I care about you, Daughter. I even think of you as my
own family. Have I not been there for you since the
beginning?
(beat)
Do not risk your duty and, by extent, yourself, for a
person who you’re not even sure will love you
forever... like I have.
The Daughter remains silent.
THE ADMIN
If they are really important to you, you’ll value your
own cooperation.
The Daughter looks up, filled with conflicting
emotions.
 9.

THE ADMIN
At this point, can you really afford to say no?
Beat.
THE DAUGHTER
I’ll update you in 3 hours.
THE ADMIN
Very good. I can always except the best from you.
(beat)
Peanut M&M?
The Daughter hesistates, takes one, and walks off,
leaving the Admin content with himself and his
M&Ms.
 10.

ACT 3

The Broker and the Bitch are waiting in a

safehouse, clutching their getaway bags. The
Broker is noticeably calmer that the Bitch.

THE BITCH
They’re late.
THE BROKER
They should be here soon babe.
THE BITCH
It’s been three hours.
THE BROKER
I know... but...
The Broker tries to think of what to say but can
find the words.
THE BROKER
Are you hungry?
THE BITCH
I can’t tell. This shaking feeling won’t leave my legs
and my chest is pounding. You?

THE BROKER
I could eat.
THE BITCH
(trying to smile)
What’re you feeling like?

THE BROKER
Hot pot. But not the all-you-can-eat kind.
The Bitch slowly cuddles up next to the Broker,
who reciprocates.

THE BITCH
Why not?
THE BROKER
It’s... problematic. Letting the customer pick their
own ingredients. You know?
THE BITCH
Mmmmhmmmmm.
 11.

THE BROKER
For example, I might think... hey, lamb is good. Beef
is good. Let’s mix it with some expensive seafood and
veggies. You’re judging it based on...

THE BITCH
What you think is worth it?
THE BROKER
Yeah...
(beat)
And a lot of the time, it just doesn’t come together.
Like... you don’t know what you’re tasting - only that
you think... that it has value.
(beat)
Not to mention - too salty.

THE BITCH
(snuggling)
When we get out of here... we’ll find a good hotpot
restaurant.
THE BROKER
Yeah... hopefully.
(beat)
If we get out of here.
Silence.

THE BITCH
What would you do if I died tonight?
She thinks.

THE BROKER
I... don’t know.
(beat)
Why would you ask that?
THE BITCH
I just want to be prepared... We don’t know what might
happen.
THE BROKER
It’s okay... Don’t think too much about it.

THE BITCH
I don’t know I can-
They hear a code being entered into the door and
reactively pull up their guns. The liaison walks
in.
 12.

THE LIAISON
Don’t worry it’s just me. Let’s head out.
They holster their weapons and start rushing out.
THE BITCH
Why are you late?!
THE LIAISON
I was arranging transport. There’s a taxi downstairs.

THE BROKER
Took you long enou-
A gunshot rings throughout the air. The Liason
collapses to the ground. The Broker and the Bitch
shout in fright. The Daughter walks in with a gun
with the look of death on their face.
THE DAUGHTER
Where is the extract?
The both of them stand still in fright. The Bitch
starts to breathe heavily while the Broker tenses
up. They look at each other for a moment, almost
as if expecting the other to do something.
And then, the Bitch finally decides to do
something and grabs his gun - only for the
Daughter to shoot him in the arm and then the leg.
The gun flies off.
He screams and cries in pain. The Broker can only
look on - and do nothing.

THE DAUGHTER
(at the Broker)
Start talking.
Their voice is dull and monotone - hiding a
confused rage.
THE BROKER
I... It’s in this bag.
THE DAUGHTER
Take it out.
(beat)
Now.
She squats down, unzips the bag, and starts
searching.
 13.

THE DAUGHTER
What other companies were you selling to?
THE BROKER
Just Suara.

THE DAUGHTER
Who else knows?
THE BROKER
Nobody. Just the two of us and the people from Suara!

The Daughter shoots the ground beside them. The

Broker flinches back in shock. She begins to tear
up.
THE DAUGHTER
Don’t lie to me.
THE BROKER
THERE’S NOBODY ELSE! I SWEAR! PLEASE!
THE DAUGHTER
Well, I’m finding it hard to. You don’t steal a product
like this and only sell it to one buyer. You shop it
around... don’t you?
THE BROKER
I SWEAR ON MY LIFE. They were the only ones.

THE DAUGHTER
I see.
(beat)
So that leaves only one other option - you made a
contract with them.

THE BROKER
(crying)
Yes.

THE DAUGHTER
(sighs deeply)
Do you know how much trouble you caused me?
The Broker shakes her head.

THE DAUGHTER
No... you don’t. I almost died - 4 hours ago. My
partner - they’re undergoing surgery right now.
(beat)
I don’t know know if they’re going to live.
 14.

THE BROKER
I’m... sorry. Please... just don’t kill us.

THE DAUGHTER
(sighs deeply)
You screw up - you suffer. You don’t screw up - you
still suffer... What’s up with that?
THE BROKER
I don’t... know.
The Broker tries to advantage of this moment of
weakness and pulls out the gun she hid in her bag.
However, without even trying to aim, the Daughter
shoots the gun out of her hand.

THE DAUGHTER
Why? Why would you go and do that?
THE BROKER
(sobbing)
I... I...
THE DAUGHTER
You had to try?
The Broker nods.

THE DAUGHTER
I’m sorry... this is just a bad day for all of us.
The Daughter shoots her in the chest in response.
The Broker collapses to the floor. The Bitch,
having seen all this unfold, shouts in agony.
THE BITCH
ALEX! NO!!! ALEX!!!!!!!!

He crawls up to her using his good limbs and tries

to cradle her in his arm.
THE BITCH
Oh god... no... please please please please please
please please please...

He turns to the Daughter with an accusing stare.

They respond with a vacant look.
THE BITCH
(trembling)
You... How could you...
(beat)
HOW COULD YOU DO THIS WHEN SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS ON THE
VERGE OF DYING TONIGHT!
 15.

(to the Broker)

Oh... Alex... Babe... please please please please...
don’t die don’t die don’t die don’t die don’t die...
please...

The Daughter looks on. Their eyes begin to twitch

- just a little. As they watch, the gun in the
hand begins to shake.
THE BITCH
(to the Daughter)
YOU! ARE YOU JUST GOING TO STAND THERE AND WATCH?!
(beat)
JUST KILL US ALREADY!
(beat)
DO IT!!!!!

The Daughter’s facade begins to crack. Their

breath grows heavy and they grit their teeth.
And then - their phone rings. Almost immediately,
they pick up the phone. It’s a tense few moments
of silence as the Daughter stares upon the
helpless couple and listens to the call.
THE DAUGHTER
I see. Thank you... for everything. I’ll be there.
The Daughter hangs up and lowers the gun.

THE DAUGHTER
(tearing up)
They just out.
 16.

ACT 4
The Daughter is walking about a convenience
store/automat (can be changed) browsing through
the shelves for chocolate pudding - the type K
likes. Their hands are balled into tight fists and
their movements are stiff - repressed - tense.
Just as they find the pack of pudding, they
receive a call. It’s from the Admin.
They pick up.

THE ADMIN
It’s been more than three hours. Where’s my update?
The Daughter hesitates before answering.

THE DAUGHTER
I didn’t finish the job.
THE ADMIN
What do you mean ’you didn’t finish the job’?

THE DAUGHTER
I let them go. The extract should be circulating around
the market as we speak.
THE ADMIN
You-

THE DAUGHTER
And I quit.
The Admin pauses to stifle his anger before
responding.
THE ADMIN
Daughter.
THE DAUGHTER
Admin.
THE ADMIN
Do you understand what you have done?
THE DAUGHTER
Yes. Yes, I do.
THE ADMIN
Now... why would you go and do that? After
everything...
 17.

THE DAUGHTER
I was... compromised.
THE ADMIN
I see. You let yourself be compromised.

THE DAUGHTER
Pretty much.
THE ADMIN
Any reason why?

THE DAUGHTER
Do I need to give you a reason?
The Admin pauses and sighs deeply.

THE ADMIN
You’re breaking my heart, Daughter.
THE DAUGHTER
Well, that’s your fault, isn’t it.

THE ADMIN
I suppose it is. Fuck me for wanting to believe in
people right?
(laughs)
You’ve really broken my heart this time. You know, I
thought you were more than just a heartless, killing
machine but apparently you don’t give a SHIT about my
feelings.
(beat)
Just WHO do you think you are?
(beat)
Well?
(beat)
ANSWER ME!!!!
THE DAUGHTER
I don’t know... you tell me.

THE ADMIN
I... I- Alright. Do you really want me to tell you who
you are?
(beat)
Fine. I’ll tell you.
(deep breath)
YOU’RE NOBODY! DO YOU HEAR ME DAUGHTER? YOU’RE NOBODY!
WHEN WE FOUND YOU WERE [insert short backstory here]
THE DAUGHTER
Admin.
 18.

THE ADMIN
What?!
THE DAUGHTER
(laughs)
I really don’t give a shit.
(beat)
But if you or any of the others come after me or the
person I love, I will run over to wherever you are and
put a bullet in your head. Am I clear?
(beat)
Good.
As the Daughter hangs up, they begin to feel free,
liberated - like the world is at their fingertips.
They walk over to the cashier and place the
pudding cups on the counter.

THE DAUGHTER
How much for these?
 19.

ACT 5
The Daughter walks into K’s hospital bed, carrying
a plastic bag of pudding cups. They’re emotionally
exhausted but still beams with delight. K is lying
still on the bed, ever so slightly high from the
anesthesia.
THE DAUGHTER
Hey. How’re you feeling?

K
Tired. Weird. I can’t feel anything below my waist but
I’m horny as hell.
(laughs)
THE DAUGHTER
Well, unfortunately the doctor said no rigorous
activity for two weeks... and I don’t think you’d want
your legs crushed again.
K
Hey, for you? Anything’s worth the risk.

The Daughter’s face brightens up on hearing this

and they lean forward to kiss each other.
THE DAUGHTER
I’m glad you’re okay.

K
(chuckles)
Me too.

THE DAUGHTER
(beat)
I love you.
K
I love you.

They take a moment of silence to appreciate what

they have, for as long as they can have it.
THE DAUGHTER
Oh, I got your pudding.

K
Yes finally! Thank you so much! And you got my favorite
brand too! How did you know?
 20.

THE DAUGHTER
I’m shocked you’d even ask that. Of course I would
know...
K unwraps a pudding cup and offers her one.

K
Want one?
THE DAUGHTER
Sure.

The both of them eat in silence for a moment or

two.
K
Mmmmf! Screw being horny. This is way better than sex.
How do you find it?
THE DAUGHTER
It’s... more sugar than chocolate. A bit too sweet for
me, to be honest.

K
Hey now... you’re sweet enough for me.
THE DAUGHTER
(half-laughing)
Oh god. That’s so lame. You were funnier when you could
walk.
K
Can you blame me? I almost died.
The Daughter gives a small, insincere laugh at
their "joke" and sits in silence to think about
what she wants to say. It’s enough for K to notice
that something’s wrong.
K
Babe? Are you okay?
THE DAUGHTER
I’m... It’s just... I want to tell you something.
K
What is it?
THE DAUGHTER
I... I just quit my job.
 21.

K
Ah, I see. Any reason why?
THE DAUGHTER
I think you know. The accident... and all. Nearly
losing you. It has put everything in perspective for
me. What’s really important to me. For us. And I don’t
want to let my job get in between the both of us.
A masked assassin gathers outside the door and
prepares their weapons. They click their gun which
the Daughter notices.
K
I understand.
(beat)
So, what are you going to do after this?

THE DAUGHTER
I don’t know. I’ll figure it out. Maybe move to a
different city. Or get something with less inconvenient
hours.

K
Sounds like a plan.
(beat)
Funny thing though, I don’t think I’ve seen your resume
before...

THE DAUGHTER
A resume? Huh, don’t think I’ve ever had one.
K
Really? Hmmmm, well I guess you should get on that
soon. Let’s try an exercise: what would you say are
your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
The assassin is joined by 3 more assassins. They
give them the signal to wait and as they listen
in. The Daughter tries to hide her fear.

THE DAUGHTER
Let’s see... I’m very determined. I’ve been told that
I’m a hard worker and have a great aptitude for
improvement. Oh, and I’m easy to talk to.

K
Very true. What about your weaknesses?
The Daughter instinctively reaches for their gun
but realizes it isn’t there.
 22.

THE DAUGHTER
I’ve been told I’m too emotional. Too...
They hear the door being unlocked and turn around.
For the briefest moment she panics but the panic
is replaced by a keen serenity. K is too tired to
notice her sudden change in emotions.
THE DAUGHTER
...prone to make impulsive decisions. Sensitive too.

K
That’s not too bad. There’s nothing wrong with being
emotional. It’s just how you carry yourself.
The door opens slowly. The Daughter bends over K
to protect them from the gunfire, hugging them
tightly.
THE DAUGHTER
Thank you. You know, you’re the best thing that ever
happened to me. I’m sorry... for everything.

K
It’s all okay. I love-
The door slams open. The lights cut to black. The
sound of gunfire fills the air followed by
incomprehensible shouting. A glass vase smashes on
something hard as bodies drop to the floor.
One must imagine The Daughter happy.