Play # 13

Sudden

____________________________

By Ashley Vinson

Originally for the “31 Plays in 31 Days” challenge

Contact:
Ashley Vinson
ashleyvin95@gmail.com
 1.

Dimly lit space with a desk in the

middle of the floor with an open
journal and pen on the desk.

The sound of nighttime underscores

the scene. NOVA enters and sits at
the desk.

NOVA
(writing)
Am I a lair? I wonder. Feelings are so tricky. I want to be able to get these feelings out. (beat) No
one to really talk to about things. I’m not fine or good or doing well or happy or want to help.
Everything is robotic. Life is sad. Me saying things will be okay is a lie. I’m a liar. Broken. Liar,
liar, liar, liar.

A crack of lightening is seen and

heard. MELODY, Nova’s
subconscious, appears

MELODY
You are a liar. Why do you think people would care? Have you seen yourself?

NOVA
You...

MELODY
I thought it would be nice to look at you face to face.

NOVA
What do you want?

MELODY
To talk to you.

NOVA
Talking to me in my head, like you usually do, would’ve been just fine.
 2.
MELODY
You needed my help. Why? Because you aren’t getting it.

NOVA
I am.

MELODY
A pathetic loser like yourself would believe you understand. When will you learn how worthless
you are? You only write in that book because no one will listen to you.

NOVA
Stop it.

MELODY
Do you hear yourself, Nova?

Nova covers her ears

NOVA
Please stop.

MELODY
Reminds me of the times you constantly asked to stop your heart from hurting. It won’t stop.
Then, like now, you will learn to deal with it.

NOVA
I shouldn’t have to hurt so much.

MELODY
It’s your own fault.

NOVA
I didn’t ask to be here.

MELODY
But you’re here now!

NOVA
Why won’t you go away?
 3.
MELODY
You know I’ll be back. Tell me what I want to hear and I’ll leave.

NOVA
I don’t want to.

MELODY
Tisk. Tisk. Tisk. You are making me angry.

Nova winces and puts her head down with

her ears still covered.

NOVA
I don’t care anymore! I will not be attacked by own thoughts.

MELODY
You can’t stop me. We’ve danced this same dance so many times now. You know the magic
words.

Nova uncovers her ears and raises her head

NOVA
I’ll tell you what you want to hear. (deep breath) I’m an unworthy loser who doesn’t deserve to
be here. The only reason I’m still here is because I’m too scared to…

Melody loses her patience

MELODY
Get on with it!

NOVA
No. I say this every time I to try to get rid of you. I won’t finish it. I’m done.

Nova closes her journal and throws it in

Melody’s direction

MELODY
Hmph. I’ll be back. I’ll always be back! You can’t escape the truth that lies within your brain.
 4.
NOVA
Good-bye, Melody.

MELODY
See you tomorrow and forever after.

A crack of lightening seen and heard.

Melody is gone

NOVA
Forever after, I’ll continue to fight.

Nova goes to retrieve her journal.

Nighttime underscore fades

Black out
End of Play