Memories Past...?

 

Cast:

 

Owen (always Owen)

Female 1 (also plays Gabby, Teacher, Cloaked Figure, and Comm)

Female 2 (also plays Ally, Missy, Cloaked Figure, and Captian)

Male 1 (also plays Eddie, Pablo, Cloaked Figure, and First Officer)

Male 2 (also plays Mystery Man (MM), Rod, Cloaked Figure, and Tactical “MM” officer)

 

 

 

Owen: Darkness... or perhaps just a complete lack of light... this is all I know, all I see, all I feel. I'm not exactly sure where I am or how long I've been here. I don't think I've been anywhere else before this... so now what happens? Surly this isn't all? Do-da-doo-da-doo this is REALLY BORNING!!! What the hell? Hehehehe KICK! KICK! KICK!!! I'm able to move what ever the hell is down there... and IT'S FUN! Sigh... this is entirely all to amusing. Ohhhhhhh well, I think I'll just relax and sit around for awhile... I doubt I'm going anywhere...

 

     What the hell!?!?! Something is seriously wrong here... something is happening... Light? Oh my God, I don't know exactly what is going on here... and I seriously don't like that silver thing with the shiny edge coming that close to me... YOU BASTARD!!! You cut me! That hurt...

 

     What the hell are you doing any ways? Holy... the world is opening up to the light. This is odd indeed. I'm being moved, lifted up to the light... I feel as though I'm flying. This is by far more exciting than I've ever known... Gasp! Air? I'm breathing air... and the lights... all of these colors bombarding me like fireworks in the sky.

 

     Hey! What are you doing with that shiny object again? You cut me once, and I survived... you don't have to go all out to finish the job. Hey! I need that tube thing... it was also fun to play with... and I don't really think it's up to you whether or not I have that bit of skin!

 

     Sigh... What can I do, though... this feeling of no power or influence is really overwhelming...Maybe this isn't going to be as good as I once thought.

 

(BLACK OUT)

 

Owen: Memory is one of the most important things a person could hold onto. More valuable than gold or silver, far more precious than any sparkling gem... Memory could very well be the only thing that survives above all else, and yet at the same time, Memory can also be lost in the blink of an eye, and can never be revived.

 

     That is why I'm taking this journey... my past, present, and future have been obliterated by something so powerful, that I can't even remember when it happened or what caused it. I'm traveling through my misshapen past in the pursuit of truth... and maybe go against all odds, to reclaim what I treasure most... My life... My sanity... My memories past!

 

     Oh, don't get me wrong... I've never tried this before, and I honestly don't know what the hell I'm gonna find, but this is something I have to do.

 

(Almost chanting, as the words have a higher significant meaning and lead into the next set of cues)

 

     Through the portal, into the deepest regions of my mind, that is where it all begins...

 

(grabs onto head as lights flicker to simulate inter-dimensional travel, the process should resemble literally being torn apart at the atoms, and yet, resisting just enough to keep everything together. Owen is now travels to a dark chamber like area, with a few staggered beams of light coming from above. One misshapen crystal lay dead center. It should sort of resemble a cavern after being hit by a tornado. After the transformation is complete, Owen wakes up in the center of the cavern.)

 

Owen: I made it...? (He gets up and starts to explore the cavern in total awe) (Finds a warped and cracked crystal and examines it further) What has happened in here? It looks as though all Hell has broken loose, and nobody stayed around to clean up. All this destruction, all this chaos...and the only thing left is this crystal. (He picks up the crystal... and suddenly, something painful washes over Owen. He soon recovers, and shakes it off.)

 

Owen: I think I understand now... this crystal is a compilation of my earliest memories... They may have survived what ever caused this (cavern), but they are badly warped. Despite that though... I must continue on... (grabs on the crystal again, feels the wash of pain, eerie music starts, as cavern is altered to resemble a 1st grade classroom setting. Owen sits in a middle seat as he is surrounded by little 1st graders. The students seem very happy to be there, but at the same time, almost bound to the chair as if shackled to it. Everyone remains completely quite.)

 

(Suddenly, the Teacher walks in, she is flamboyant, loud, and overbearing... just like a typical TV game show host. Music is playing in the background that should match the attitude, i.e. Jeopardy, Wheel of fortune theme, so on.)

 

Teacher: Welcome kids to you first day of elementary school!!! (Applause from all students except Owen.) Today, we're gonna have lotsa fun with History, Mathematics, and Geography... all the while not giving anything that might be interrupted as an opinion, because we don't like that, do we? (Boos of agreement from students.) Alrighty then, lets begin!

 

Teacher: Missy...?

 

Missy: Yes Herr Teacher...?

 

Teacher: What dose 2 + 1 equal?

 

(Thinking music plays for sometime, as it may actually be a difficult question for her.)

 

Missy: 3?

 

Teacher: CORRECT!!! 2 + 1=3 as well as 1+2=3... remember that.

 

Missy: I will teacher... but what do I win?

Teacher: I'm glad you asked that... Rod? Tell her what she's won.

(from nowhere in particular)

 

Rod: Well Missy, you've won a one way, all expenses paid, trip to... the accelerated class!!! Yes, you and your fellow “gifted” classmates will enjoy all the perks of an upper division education, while everyone else under you falters and rots away to regular society... congratulation!!!

(Missy jumps from her chair and celebrates by jumping around franticly... she soon exits to some holy music.)

 

Teacher: Now, lets move on to some history... Pablo, this one should be easy for someone of your... ethnicity. Who was the first man to discover America, and is quite possibly the greatest man in the entire universe up to this point...?

(More thinking music)

 

Pablo: Umm... well, Leif Ericson was said to have been the first people to set foot on American soil[1], and Native Americans have always been here... but something tells me your looking for Christopher Columbus. Unfortunately, I can't really say that he is the greatest man in the entire universe, since he raped and plundered my people back in the late 15th century. Not to mention he made most of them into slaves afterwards.

(Bad answer noise)

 

Teacher: Ohhhhhhhhhhhh... I'm sorry Pablo. The correct Answer was Christopher Columbus, who in 1492, sailed the great ocean blue. You see, it rhymes...(giggle/snort) And Christopher was the upholder of the great Christian Values, of which I can't legally mention in a public school room setting. You didn't get the correct answer, but here is your consolation prize... Rod?

 

Rod: Well Pablo, you get a one way trip (evilly) to remedial class! (normally again) Where you learn at a much slower pace from all the other kids, so that one day, you may rejoin to rest of society.

Thanks for playing our game...! Pablo: (Grumbles under his breath as he leaves)

 

Teacher: Well that’s all the time we have for today! But we'll be back tomorrow, same bat time, same bat channel.

(Theme music plays again Teacher starts to leave room, but Owen jumps up to stop him/her)

 

Owen: Uh... Wait a minute, what about me?

 

Teacher: Oh... umm... I guess I don't really care, you can be in the middle class. (Suddenly realizing) Oh! Did I say that out loud? (Beat) Oh well! (Exits)

 

(After a few seconds, the scene around Owen changes... he makes a commentary to the audience to fill the space)

 

Owen: As far as I can remember, school was always like that... a game. And also very very repetitive. In fact, I don't think there was any real difference from grade to grade, until I changed schools. But one thing was clear... from the beginning, something was completely different about the way I thought... the way I viewed the world. This never changed either.

 

(Owen is handed a wrist and head sweat bands, and he starts to run in place with two other players.)

 

Owen: For instance, I believe I was the only kid my age who didn't think sports were the ultimate high, maybe because I was a bit of a tubby kid... but rule number one of play ground etiquette is play foot/base/basket/kick ball, or stop existing on the same plane as us.

 

Female 1: Why don't you take a swing, Owen? (Snickers)

 

Male 1: Come on... you just take the bat and swing!

 

(Owen slowly takes bat)

 

Female 2: Everyone move in... Owen's up to bat!

 

Female 1: Swaaaaaa-ing! Batter batter!!!

 

Male 1: You just take the bat and swing!

 

Female 2: Keep coming in!

 

(Female 1 continues to chant "Swing batter batter" and words to that effect while the other actors continue chanting their respected lines, with some improv.)

 

(Owen sings and misses, Actors all shout, "1!" and groan in disappointment... then continue their rants.)

 

(Owen swings again and misses, the Actors shouts "2!" with the same groans of disappointment... then once again, begins the rants.)

 

(Owen swings a third time, and everything falls silent... everyone follows the path of the ball as it soars over the mound... soars into the outfield and is caught. Owen slaps his head and shouts, "DOH!")

 

(Actors drop scene, and move to next scene.)

 

Owen: Rule number two... a dare can be denied, a double dare can be evaded, but a double dog dare is a pact of honor, that can only be broken by death!

 

(A small stool is brought out and Owen stands on top of it, ready to jump...)

 

Male 2: So are you gonna do it or not?

 

Male 1: It's only a small jump!

 

Female 2: (aside) I can't believe he's stupid enough to do it...

 

Owen: I don't think I can do this...

 

Female 1: I DOUBLE DOG DARE you

(All falls silent after a gasp from everyone)

 

Owen: (aside) I don't really want to do this... but what choice do I have?

 

Female 1: I double dog dare you

 

Male 1: It's only a small jump!

 

Female 2: (aside) I can't believe he's stupid enough to do it...

 

Male 2: So are you gonna do it or not?

 

(continue rant overlapping until Owen jumps off bench, and falls... breaking his leg)

 

(All actors run off in different directions when they realize Owen is injured.)

 

Owen: *scream* My leg... it hurts! Help... anybody?

 

Owen: (Aside to Audience) Rule number three... The only thing that can't hurt you is the wall at your back.

 

Owen: (As kid again): I can't get up... Help? Help!!! (no one answers) (Folds his hands) God? Can you hear me? (Pause) I'm afraid... I can't move. I don't know what to do God! Are you there? I could really use some of that salvation stuff right about now... if it's not too much to ask. God? (Slow fade) God?? (Blackout) (Pause) God...

 

(Back in cave)

 

Owen (monotone): I learned a valuable lesson in those years... I was naive, which in the playground laws, that also added up to weak and easily exploitable. But, you can't teach a whale how to fly, and you can't teach me that society won't exploit me again!

 

(Neutral setting with no furniture)

(Owen stands center as actors walk through him, he will dodge to avoid being hit, but actors cannot change stride or pause, at least avoid him.)

 

Female 1: Your wearing that!!! That's soooooooooooo five minutes ago!

 

Female 2: (Gasp) Really!?!? You go powder your nose and the world changes on you! (They run off)

 

(Males 1 and 2 enter, go through center and head aside from Owen. All the while they are having what seems to be a meaningful conversation, by only saying "Sports", with an occasional "Sex" and "Girls" for added spice and different conversational sparks)

 

(Conversation goes on for a while, then the Females enter again, and walk over to the Males. Male 1 and Female 1 exchange looks, hold hands and walk off merrily together. Male 2 tries to act smooth and propositions Female 2, Female 2 slaps Male 2 and storms off furiously)

 

(Owen moves up center, as this display goes forth, He can only shrug)

 

(Male 2 goes off unhappily)

 

(All four actors come on stage, only able to speak gibberish, they all go center and start to dance like at a Junior High Gym Dance, making gibberish fast paced dancing music. Owen, intrigued by them, slowly goes up, and beings to dance with them... but soon the actors see him, and in one quick simple action, back off and fall completely silent, leaving Owen in the center alone. He backs off back to his up center part of the stage. The Actors then return to center and dances some more, creating the same music as before. Soon, the party breaks up, and the Females say goodbye in the typical Mexican way, two pecks on each cheek, both at the same time. The Males laugh, and mock the Females by doing the same thing, laughing all the while. They then hold each others hands and walk like a couple... when the break, everyone laughs, except for Owen who passively watches) The Females then grab their men, and walk off.)

(After a minute of contemplation, Owen walks off as well...)

 

(Blackout)

(Scene returns to a typical normal looking day scene)

 

(Owen is busily working with dozens of loose leaf sheets of paper, and a pen)

(Gabby walks on)

 

Gabby: Hey Owen!

 

Owen: Oh, hey there Gabby...

 

Gabby: What you workin' on?

 

Owen: Oh nothing in particular, just a play...

 

Gabby: What kinda play?

 

Owen: One about my life...

 

Gabby: But don't you have to live a life, before you can write about it?

 

Owen: I'd say 18 years is a good start... but any ways, it's going very slowly.

 

Gabby: I'd imagine (pause) So... any big plans for Valentines Day?

 

Owen: (Without looking up) No... not really... why?

 

Gabby: How would you like to come to my shin dig...?

 

Owen: Umm... sure, do you want me to bring anything?

 

Gabby: Oh no... my best friend will be enough... just wait until I tell her she's got a date.

 

Owen: Whoa! Huh? Who???

 

Gabby: My best friend, Ally... she really needs a date for my shindig, and you'd be perfect!

 

Owen: Uh... b... but why me?

 

Gabby: Well... your nice, and uh... funny. Charming in a special way...

 

Owen: ... and free on Valentines Day.

 

Gabby: (confirming Owen's suspicion) So will you?

 

Owen: Well, I... uh

 

Gabby: Don't make me pout... (Pause) (She does... Owen resists as long as he possibly can)

 

Owen: (After he can't stand anymore): Oh Alright! I'll do it...

 

Gabby: (Jumps and kisses Owen on the cheek) Oh thank you!!! And don't worry... you'll really like her! (She exits)

 

Owen: I'm sure I will (sighs) (He continues with his work)

 

(Eddie stumbles his way on)

 

Eddie: Gabby? Gabby? Oh... hey O... Have you seen Gab?

 

Owen: (Owen looks up from his) Uh... yeah (subtle Smile) She went that way just now.

 

Eddie: Oh good... whatcha workin' on?

 

Owen: Huh? Oh this! Not much... just a play about my life.

 

Eddie: Interesting... how's it going so far?

 

Owen: A little slow... (Pause) (Owen quickly turns to his work)

 

Eddie: Oh... ok. I'll let you get back to work then... see ya.

 

Owen: (Turns up) Bye... (Watches Eddie leave) (Slowly closes his eyes and his head collapses in pain) (He regains his composure, and continues to write)

 

Owen: (as he writes) He continues to write for a moment, then looks at his watch, gets up, collects his work and leave off right...

 

(Owen does the exact actions he just said)

 

(Ally enters)

(Gabby walks on, chipper)

Gabby: Ally!

 

Ally: What?

 

Gabby: I think I've got the solution to your man troubles!

 

Ally: Oh do tell!

 

Gabby: I've set you up with my little brother... Owen

 

Ally: You have a brother?

 

Gabby: Well, sorta... he isn't my real brother... but I think of him as a metaphorical brother.

 

Ally: Metaphorical? What's that suppose to mean.

 

Gabby: Metaphorical... you know, like when something is implied by another word...

 

Ally: I know what metaphorical means... but why do you call him a brother?

 

Gabby: The same reason that I call you my sister... Because blood couldn’t have bonded us closer.

 

Ally: So your saying your setting us up for metaphorical incest?

 

Gabby: Oh... no! I mean... never mind. The point is you've got a date, and everyone will be happy on Valentines Day for once.

 

Ally: Indeed! Sooooooo... is he cute?

 

Gabby: Weeeeeeeell...

 

Ally: Oh no, you didn't set me up with another Melvin did you?

 

Gabby: Absolutely not! Owen is nothing like that. (Pause) He's more like a giant teddy bear that you can just hold onto and never let go.

 

Ally: Hmmm... it almost sounds like you should be dating him.

 

Gabby: No! He's my brother... it wouldn't be right... and besides I don't want Eddie getting hurt, because he would attack Owen in a jealous rage and surly get his ass whooped!

 

Ally: Well, at least I know I'll be safe in a dark alley with him around...

 

Gabby: You can say that again. You'll also stay warm during the winter, but that's a different story, for a different time.

 

Ally: Well, I'm a bit reluctant to try blind dates, especially after a certain someone put me up with other certain someone’s...

 

Gabby: How could I have know he was a monk?

 

Ally: Well, the cross around his neck, and black habit could have been a start!

 

Gabby: But you had fun didn't you...? (Pause) (Pause)

 

Ally: I'm not going to dignify that with a response.

 

Gabby: Umm... so it's set then... I'll have Owen pick you up at 7:30

 

Ally: Sure... works for me.

 

Gabby: Don't worry, you'll love him!

(Gabby exits)

 

(Ally takes out a small mirror, checks her appearance, is generally pleased, puts down the mirror, and leaves)

(Mystery Man comes on swiftly after, goes straight for the mirror... shoves it in his coat/bag then rockets off as Gabby and Eddie enter hand in hand.)

Eddie: Did you secure the beverages for the Party?

 

Gabby: Of course... do you think that four cases will be enough?

 

Eddie: It could be a start... we can also pull some good squishy from my parent's collection...

 

Gabby: So do you think we've danced around enough from not saying anything directly related to Alcohol?

 

Eddie: Yes...Anyways, what's up with Owen lately?

 

Gabby: Owen, what do you mean?

 

Eddie: There's just something about him... in his eyes, his presence... it's almost like he's gotten colder than usual.

 

Gabby: Hmmm... I wouldn't worry about it. I think he's just needs a change of pace... I'm hoping Ally and Owen can both hit it off... they both need a change of pace.

 

Eddie: So they can be as happy as we are... (they embrace)

 

Gabby: Yes... (They kiss) (Pause)

 

Eddie: I need to get on my way, but don't worry... I'll see you later tonight.

 

Gabby: 7:30

 

Eddie: 7:30... (he exits)

(Gabby goes forward, pulls out a single red rose... closes her eyes as if saying a silent prayer... she drops it, and exits.)

(Mystery Man comes on, takes the rose, just as before, and flies out like a bat outta hell.)

 

(Owen walks on with a small bouquet of fake flowers and goes to an imaginary door... he rings the door bell)

Ally: (Offstage) I'll be down in a minute!

(Owen waits patiently, and goes through the typical guy checklist... breath, shoes, tie, and fly... Ally comes to door, Owen fixes his posture and tries to pull a charming smile as she opens the door.)

Owen: Good Evening...

 

Ally: (Analyzing) Evening... (Pause) (Eyes meet) (eyes separate) Please come in...

 

Owen: Thank you. (As he walks in, she presents the flowers to her)

 

Ally: Oh! Fake Roses!!! My absolute favorite... but...

 

Owen: Remember who set us up...

 

Ally: hmmm... yes.

 

Owen: "To pluck a flower as a symbol oflove...

 

Ally: ... is to say that it is doomed to die,

 

Owen: But pick a flower that is made from velvet...

 

Ally: And that may mean that Love is everlasting."

(They laugh)

 

Ally: But seriously, this was very nice of you... I can honestly say that nobody has ever given me fake flowers with out meeting me first...

 

Owen: Yes. (Pause)

 

Gabby: Umm... well, I guess I'll grab my jacket then... (grabs it)

 

Owen: Oh, allow me (He helps her with it.)

 

Ally: Thanks...

 

Owen: Shall we?

 

Ally: We shall!

 

(They both go through the door and shut it... they are soon joined on stage by Eddie, Gabby, and Mystery Man... a soft techno beat should play in the background and everyone dances when it seems appropriate. Also, two pedestals are set out, one with a plate of Twinkies on top, and the other with a plate of cupcakes.)

Gabby: Ally!

 

Ally: Gabby! (They embrace)

 

Gabby: You came!

 

Ally: Of course...

(Eddie goes to Owen)

Eddie: (aside to Owen) Prime catch Big O...

 

Owen: Uh, yeah...

 

Eddie: If I wasn’t tied down, I might go for her myself...

 

Owen: You don't say...

 

Eddie: But I can't complain... Gabby shags like a mink...

 

Owen: Okay... I think that was a bit too much information.

 

Eddie: You think... Oh well... But I let you in on a little secret. Ally's middle name is "easy" and after a few beers, you can sneak her up to Bree's room if you catch my drift...

 

Owen: I don't know... that was pretty subtle.

 

Eddie: Oh, here come the women... (He goes to Bree)

(Owen turns aside, and crumples in pain... but tries to hide it from the others.)

Ally: Owen, are you okay?

 

Owen: I'm fine... just a little dizzy perhaps.

 

Ally: Maybe you should eat something...?

 

Gabby: Yes! Everyone eat, drink, and dance... but not all at the same time, you might choke.

 

(Eddie and Mystery Man go for cupcakes, Gabby and Ally eat Twinkies... Owen is reluctant to choose... Pause)

Gabby: Owen, have one...

 

Owen: No thanks, I'm not hungry right now.

 

Gabby: Oh well, have a beer instead!

 

Owen: I can handle that...

(Everyone drinks and generally has a good time dancing with everyone. Eventually, the guys move aside and the woman move the other way. They begin to talk.)

Ally: Oh Bree! I really like this one!

 

Gabby: I knew you would.

 

Ally: He's so kind and considerate, a real gentlemen... and I bet you he's got a fire in his belly, among other places, that is just waiting to be unleashed.

 

Gabby: Oh...?

 

Ally: You know, this may just be the beer talking right now, but I haven't slept with anyone for a long time, and I don't want to forget what it feels like.

 

Gabby: Hmmm... well, if you insist... just make sure you make him use these. (She hands Ally condoms)

 

Ally: Thank you, chica!

 

Gabby: Anytime... especially for you two.

(The party reforms)

(After a while, Gabby takes Eddie and they leave the party, Mystery Man also takes his leave, The plates are removed from the pedestals, and the pedestals act as a bench... the two sit down as lights dim to a nice night time situation)

Owen: You know... I'm really having a good time tonight.

 

Ally: Hmmm... so am I. (Pause) (She subtly begins to flirt)

 

Owen: Great beer in there...

 

Ally: Yes... I can't believe she got so many cases of the Champaign of Beer (Pause) (Even more flirting)

 

Owen: And it looks as though you've had a few yourself (Owen begins to resist a little)

 

Ally: Oh, only 2 or 3 or 10, but I can hold my liquor... (She gets direct now, and begins to nibble on his ear, and rubbing her hands on his shoulders)

(Owen stands up and escapes)

Ally: Did I hurt you?

 

Owen: No, not really...

 

Ally: But didn't you like it?

 

Owen: Well...

 

Ally: Don't you like me?

 

Owen: yeah... I like you (pause)

 

Ally: But...

 

Owen: You've been drinking, and it wouldn't be right.

 

Ally: Oh, is that all? Don't worry, I won't tell anyone (she removes her sweater to reveal a tank top and a cross around her neck, she approaches Owen again)

 

Owen: Please... no. (He avoids her as much as possible)

 

Ally: I can light your fire! (Owen sits down on the bench and calls Ally over)

 

Owen: Listen... I just don't have any interest to do any of this right now. (Pause)

 

Ally: (Still unable to believe that anyone could say "no" to her) No interest? Really... none at all?

 

Owen: I'm sorry, it's just against my better nature.

 

Ally: (Pause) (She is suspicious) Wait a minute... something is gravely wrong with this picture.

 

Owen: How so?

 

Ally: You're kind... considerate, bald... but still fairly clean cut... a real catch for any one, if you don't mind looking up a lot.

 

Owen: Your point?

 

Ally: Are you gay? (Long silence) (Sound of wind blowing in back)

(Owen turns away in pain, unable to deny it)

 

Ally: You are aren't you? (She jumps up and is in extreme shock) I can't believe what I was about to do... (We now see a sever shift of character in Ally) Oh God! I was trying to seduce a gay man... no a FUCKING FAGGOT!

 

Owen: Now see here-

 

Ally: (slaps Owen in the face, hard) Shut up! You make me sick... Oh, but don't worry. God will be gracious and smite you down where you belong for trying to fuck a poor innocent Christian girl, who's been drinking a little. (Pause) Your all the same! (realized) Oh my God, I could have gotten AIDS or some other Queer disease from you!!!

(Gabby and Eddie burst in)

 

Gabby: What's wrong?

 

Eddie: What's all the screaming about?

 

Ally: How the HELL could you set me up like that?

 

Gabby: What are you talking about?

 

Ally: I should also blame you for setting me up with this fucking fag!

 

Gabby: Owen? (looks at Owen, he turns away) I didn't know, and it shouldn't matter. (Pause)

 

Ally: Some friend you are!!! (Throws condoms at Owen and storms out)

 

Gabby: Ally! (Starts to leave... but stops, turns to Owen... and basically is torn about which friend she should help... Eddie waves her off to Ally, she departs)

 

(Eddie walks up slowly to Owen... he is curled into a ball.)

 

Eddie: So is it true...?

(Owen doesn't respond)

Eddie: Umm... I really liked that movie with guy who everyone thought was gay... (beat) it was a real eye-opening movie...

(Owen curls up tighter)

 

Eddie: Look... I'm not very good with this sort of thing, but if it makes you feel better... My respect has stayed the same for you... your a good person… especially to Gabby... and she really cares for you. (Pause)

 

Owen: (Timidly and weakly) thank you... (starts to loosen up).

 

Eddie: But if you don't mind me asking, I've never met someone so close that was... well… I just can’t fathom how anyone could choose to like a lifestyle like that…

 

Owen: Choose? (silence) You think I choose to live like… THIS!

 

Eddie: I honestly don’t know, Owen.

 

Owen: Trust me… I don’t choose to live like this, anymore than you choose to find Gabby attractive… it’s something that’s inside… I can’t explain it… I doubt science or religion could either. But that doesn’t matter… I still have to live with the whole mess.

 

Eddie: What’s it like?

 

Owen: Which part?

 

Eddie: Part?

 

Owen: Yeah... like the part when I wake up in the morning and dread having to face the world, or maybe the fact that I have to be beyond careful not to let anyone see what I'm thinking or feeling... not to be able to show myself, beyond this... this stupid mask!

 

Eddie: Hmmm...

 

Owen: Or maybe the part when I  turn on the TV every day and see the Westboro Baptist Church, Humanities Saviors... picketing a "Fag Funeral" or "Fag Wedding" with their little brightly colored signs that shout, "GOD HATES FAGS" or "NO HEAVEN FOR FAGS"[2]... It's also disheartening to hear jokes, where homosexuals are the butt of the joke, and to not have me say anything in return… that my friend is the most painful part of it all... for fear of what has happened tonight… it makes me feel so…

 

Eddie: Powerless?

 

Owen: Yes... (pause) So, welcome to my world...

 

Eddie: But if it's as bad as you say, then why...

 

Owen: Why do I keep going on.

 

Eddie: Yes.

 

Owen: Good question... I've often asked myself the same thing... but I still haven't been able to find an answer. Perhaps with Gabby, and you and a few others... life seems tolerable.

 

Eddie: That's encouraging... and please don't forget that. We do like you , no matter what you do or who you are. (Pause)

 

Owen: Please... I think I just need to be left alone for awhile.

 

Eddie: You sure...?

 

Owen: I won't try anything rash...

(Eddie is reluctant, but nods and exits)

(Owen picks up a Bible that was left on the cube by Ally and opens it... he starts to read. After a few seconds, he says)

Owen: God is gracious, and he has called upon all his lambs to love one another as brothers... and God will watch over his sheep, forever. This is the way of the Lord...

(Owen violently throws the Bible down near the condoms and shouts)

Owen: Absolute BULLSHIT! You can never please the devil... (Pause) (Looks up) So when did you decide to take a smoke break from your shepherd job, God? Why let me slip through your fingers? Where were you when I needed you most? (Pause) (Goes back to normal, disappointed) Oh, who am I kidding? I'll never accomplish anything that way. (Sigh) It's going to be hell... from now on. I didn't have a relatively normal life to begin with, and now! Maybe it would just be best if I went to bed and never got up again... then the rest of the world would be happy. (Pause) Enough of this Hell hole. (He exits)

(mystery man steals condoms and bible, and storms out)

(Ally comes storming in, very much still pissed, she wanders around stage until slowly, she realizes that she's lost... she then stands center stage completely frustrated, as Mystery Man sneaks up, and kidnaps her silently.)

(Blackout)

 

(Scene is in Owen's Bedroom, there is a blanket and pillow on the floor, which is thrown down in a disorderly fashion. Music Begins (NOTE: the following scenes is loosely choreographed to "An Angel Falls" on the City of Angels soundtrack[3]) Owen enters, and prepares to go to bed,  After a hearty yawn and feeling the weight of the day, Owen turns out the lights (dims lights, and Star/Moon Gobos[4] go to full) and goes to bed. The music continues, and slowly... the star gobos fade until they are black... then the moon. Owen then wakes up and realizes something is wrong. He stands up and wanders down stage, looking for something. While his back is turned, a cloaked figure[5] steals his "bed" and runs off before Owen turns around again... is confused. He starts to exit, but when he reaches on exit, a cloaked figure, with a candle, blocks his way and wont let him pass. Undaunted, Owen turns and heads the other way. After he goes some distance another cloaked figure, with a candle, blocks his way and wont let him pass, no matter what. Soon, Owen realizes that the figures are closing in on him which really starts to bother him, and he starts to desperately find a way out to no avail… this continues until Owen is completely surround in a very tight circle CENTER and the instrumental music hits a pause. At the final chord, all candles should be blow out simultaneously and the whole scene goes black. Suddenly, a choir will start to sing a middle section

During this portion of the song, a single spot light appears at an angle, Owen is completely drawn by the light… he strains to reach the light and come closer and closer, unable to use his legs properly… Eventually he manages to get up on his knees in the light and reaches even further, but when the last chord is strung, Owen falls flat on his face, and another quick blackout.

 

Stage main lights come up with a strong redish tint, as the four cloaked figures stand with their backs to Owen in a line… Owen manages to scrounge his way up and looks at the figures. Then they all begin to laugh, and circle Owen, which causes Owen some normally unseen pain, but is very apparent now. This continues forth as one cloaked figure pulls out a cross and strikes Owen down with it… before he has a chance to get up, another strikes him down with a mirror, then in the same style a rose and “Barbie” doll… after Owen is thoroughly beaten, two cloaked figures lift Owen up to his knees and holds his arms back, Owen’s head is drooping, The third cloaked figure grabs his head and holds it up, so that Male 2 can pull off his cloak in front of Owen, to reveal himself as the Mystery Man, and he slaps Owen across the face, both physically and with his piercing eyes… With his last ebbing breath, Owen shouts, “Why!!!” before collapses entirely… this should be fit to about the end, so that the cloaked figures leave by the final down beat of the music.)

 

(Blackout)

 

 

 

 

(Gabby comes on behind Owen)

Gabby: I think we need to talk...

 

Owen: Hmmm...

 

Gabby: Oh Owen... why didn't you tell me sooner? We could have avoided this whole mess, if I had only known.

 

Owen: Your not one to dawdle on small talk.

 

Gabby: I'm serious, Owen. I do care about you... your my brother after all.

 

Owen: I know (embraces Gabby) I was worried you might stop caring... after finding out about your brothers little black secrets.

 

Gabby: Owen! You know that is absurd!

 

Owen: Do I?

 

Gabby: Huh?

 

Owen: If I've learned one thing on this earth, it's not to trust anyone...

 

Gabby: Even yourself?

 

Owen: Especially yourself. (Pause)

 

Gabby: I'm sorry to hear that...

 

Owen: Don't be just yet... I'm also a very bad pupil... The thing is, time and time again I put every ounce of my faith into a single person or idea, both expecting it to lift me up to new hights, and also drop me like a ton of bricks...

 

Gabby: Huh?!?

 

Owen: Oh, never mind... I doubt you'll ever understand.

 

Gabby: I'm trying to understand.

 

Owen: But it is difficult from your perspective...

 

Gabby: What is that supposed to mean? (Pause)

 

Owen: Let me see if I can explain... (Pause)  Would you say that normally, people are 100% emotional... whether that is happy, sad, anger, neutral, whatever...

 

Gabby: Yeah... I think so.

 

Owen: And with that 100%, people feel one emotional, maybe tainted with another...

 

Gabby: Uh huh... your point?

 

Owen: Now imagine being somewhere up at 700%!

 

Gabby: 700%??? (Pause)

 

Owen: I feel every possible shade of every emotion... simultaneously! People always are confused when they ask me how I feel... I tend to just answer with fine or stable, over and over again!

 

Gabby: But you feel everything simultaneously?

 

Owen: I told you, my perspective was a bit different. And to top it all off, the mix of emotions are in constant flux, so at any moment... I experience traumatic Joy, or Boisterous Anger or some other weird combination that doesn't have an English word for it. (Pause)

 

Gabby: I think I'm beginning to understand.

 

Owen: Are you?

 

Gabby: When you mentioned traumatic joy, I thought of Romeo and Juliet...

 

Owen: Uh-huh...

 

Gabby: Well actually, Shakespeare in general. Most of his plays are filled with mixed emotions you mentioned... Romeo and Juliet, with a passion for each other that was filled with an underlying hatred for the feuding families, and so forth... and often in love, even the death of the significant other doesn't allow for the emotion of love to die... in fact, it generally intensifies the love, in harmony with despair!

 

Owen: I've never thought about it that way before, but it's making more sense now.

 

Gabby: Of course, don’t forget about Much Ado About Nothing.

 

Owen: Benidic and Beatris…

 

Gabby: Yes! They hated each other with a passion, but then they also found that they couldn’t live without each other… in the good way.

 

Owen: With help from the others…

 

Gabby: Yes, that’s true, but the feelings were there from the start… they just needed help understanding that. (Pause) Your not alone, Owen.

 

Owen: Hmmm…

 

Gabby: Just unique,. I’ve known that for all these years (Pause)

 

Owen: Everyone knows now… and all of them aren’t as understanding as you or Eddie… what good is this mask now?  It’s protected me up until now…

 

Gabby: Oh Fuck the mask! (Grabs it and tosses it away from Owen) It’s never protected you! It’s never helped! Just let it go.

(Owen goes for the mask, but Gabby stops him)

 

Owen: I can’t!

 

Gabby: You must. If you don’t, you’ll just sink lower and lower until there is nothing left!

 

Owen: One small issue to point out. For most people, the question of Sexual Orientation is a relatively easy one. The hardest question comes up promptly afterwards… “What the HELL do I do now?”

 

Gabby: The same thing I or Eddie or anyone would do… What ever you want to do…

 

Owen: Oh really? What… go out, find a date for the spring formal, maybe bring him home to meet my parents, then I’ll just make sure I’ve got some condoms in my wallet, just in case the mood strikes the evening… We’re in the middle of fucking Sterns County, straight capital of the world, second only to some backwards town in Arkansas where Incest is still practiced. (Pause) Optimistically, I should try and find someone who I really care about and maybe try to live happily ever after… but in a more realistic Point of View, I’ve known for quite some time that I’m doomed to live a life of solitude.

 

Gabby: Owen… your 18 years old… you haven’t even lived half your life, and already you’ve condemned yourself to a fate that is based off of nothing! I’m sorry, but I can’t be sympathetic to you!

 

Owen: Nor do I ask for sympathy… (Pause)

 

Gabby: Owen, life is chaotic. Fate doesn’t even exist because everything in this world changes… it is a fact of like, one even you can’t escape. (Pause) Eddie is a prime example… after my first boyfriend broke up with me to join the monastery, I never thought that I could be that way with a person again…

 

Owen: Wait a minute, what about this boyfriend and the monastery?

 

Gabby: That is unimportant… the big thing is that your okay.

 

Owen: I’m still gonna have to get up in the morning to face the world… not to mention myself.

 

Gabby: We’ll face it together. (The embrace)

 

Owen: Thank you… (Pause) how did I deserve a sister like you? (Owen turns away from Gabby and crouches)

 

Gabby: Oh, just lucky I guess… (Mystery Man sneaks up and kidnaps Gabby)

 

Owen: Indeed (Pause & turns) Gabby? (Pause) Gabby!?

(Laughter is hear from Off, the Mystery Man enters, laughing sadistically)

 

Owen: Who are you? What have you done with Gabby?

(Mystery Man doesn’t answer, just continues to laugh)

 

Owen: Stop laughing!

(Owen grabs him by the collar)

 

Owen: I want answers!

(Mystery Man stops, looks sincere and almost shocked)

 

Mystery Man: Why Owen, is this any way to treat a person?

 

Owen: Your not any person I’d like to know…

 

Mystery Man: Well, then your journey will have been for not…

 

Owen: What? Who are you?

 

Mystery Man: Elementary… (Pause) I… am of… you. (Pause)

 

(Mystery Man gestures and touches Owen, Owen shrieks in pain and drop the Mystery Man)

 

Mystery Man: You cannot harm me… remember this if you wish to continue breathing.

 

Owen: Bold talk for a person who has to kidnap an innocent person to get to me.

 

Mystery Man: Oh, that girl was anything but innocent… she did set you up in the first place to be, revealed… isn’t that right?

 

Owen: She didn’t know… she said she wouldn’t have if she had known.

 

Mystery Man: Oh really? You’re sure she didn’t try to set you up because she wanted to change you? How can you be so sure she didn’t know sooner? (Pause, Owen ponders for a second)

 

Owen: Well… no! I trust Gabby more than you.

 

Mystery Man: You see, Owen… I know everything about you… your secrets, fears, desires. And I will destroy it all, I won’t stop until your nothing more than an empty shell, and then… I will finish the job, and crush you like one.

 

Owen: You’ve crushed my will, stripped me of my support, but one thing you’ll never have is my spirit… I will stop you!

 

Mystery Man: Foolish, I can break you at any time I choose.

 

Owen: Then do it! Right now… if your soooooooooo powerful!

(Mystery Man hesitates for a minute, then runs out the door)

 

Owen: Oh no you don’t! Not now… it’s time to end this once and for all!

 

(Owen follows out)

(Actors 1-2-3 enter, and quickly lay on the floor, dressed with a scrap of camouflage)

(Through a different door, the Mystery Man enters though a different way and goes center)

 

Mystery Man: Collegeville had thought it had seen the last of military occupation on campus, but the R.O.T.C wasn’t done brainwashing innocent souls just yet! (Actors 1-2-3 start to rise from the ground, moaning “Money” “Kill” “Army” like zombies.)

Mystery Man: From the spawns of hell, is another terrifying chapter of an old menace with a new cast of characters… Channel 8 presents… Resident Evils, the Rotcy chapters…[6]

(Owen runs on, and MM runs off Zombies see Owen and instantly start stumbling over to him shouting, “Theater Major!” followed with more meaningless grunts)

 

Owen: Oh my… don’t come any closer! Back! Back I say… (One lunges at Owen, he dodges) Take that! (He kicks zombie, and hurt his foot).

I’ve gotta get out of here… (Owen tactfully gets around the Zombies, and chases after the Mystery Man).

(After he exits, the Zombies all exit in the same walking fashion that they are in now…)

 

(All enter, with womb chair, and three chairs. Form the bridge of the USS Exploration, or one chair DSL, one chair DSR, womb chair CENTER, and one chair SR of womb chair. Owen is DSR working “Helm”, Male 1 sits in chair next to womb chair as the First Officer, Female 1 sits DSL working “Comm/Sensors”, Female 2 is “Captain” in the womb chair and MM stands behind womb chair working “Tactical”)

 

Captain: Captain’s log, star date… umm… what’s today’s date any ways?

 

Comm: 24601, sir!

 

Captain: Ah yes… I knew that! Star date 24601… we here aboard the U S Sexploration are-

(Comm coughs loudly to correct the Captain)

 

Captain: I mean, the U S S Exploration, I always get that wrong for some reason, are a happy and diligent crew. At Comm, we have Lt. Commander Noagua, Ensign Owen at Helm, Lt. Mystery Man at Tactical, my very attractive 1st Officer, and of course, who could forget about me? Captain Hormel! (Pause) (soaks up some off glory by her name) Anyways… we have been called to mediate a dispute between the Telaxians and Kree, whom are neighbors on some god-forsaken planet out in the Beta Quadrant-

(Comm coughs, even louder and rapidly)

 

Captain: Oh… did I say that out loud? Oh well… The two are on the brink of war over natural resources, most notably, Picachu Eggs. One uses them for food, and the other a sacred religious relic… see if you can guess which is which… you may be pleasantly surprised.

 

Comm: Captain! Klingons have just decloaked off our starboard bow!

 

First Officer: Our What?!

 

Captain: (sighs) Klingons eh… Well, lets show those commie bastards what fore!

 

Comm: Uhhh… Captain… (humoring her) you must of miss-heard me… I said Klingons. Kling-ons…

 

Captain: Like I said, lets show those Klingon bastards what fore!

 

(Owen, who has been building in anticipation finally, shouts)

 

Owen: Isn’t just a but odd that we have a mystery man as our tactical officer?

 

First Officer: That’s Lt. Mystery Man to you, Ensign!

 

Captain: Yes, Ensign… that’s enough out of you.

 

(Owen continues as one of the crew, but not very willingly.)

 

Comm: The Klingons haven’t moved yet, Sir.

 

Captain: Alright, that’s it! Load the photon torpedoes, Charge the phaser banks, feed my cat!

 

(Everyone starts punching commands left and right and the First Officer runs off stage without any real provocation.)

 

Comm: Their firing! (a brief pause) LEFT!

 

(Everyone lurches left in unison)

 

(First Officer runs back on, short of breath)

 

Captain: Status?

 

First Officer: Mr. Shnukums is fed, sir…

 

Captain: Good…

 

Comm: We sustained a direct hit, sir…

 

Captain: What!? Where the hell are the shields?

 

Comm: You never asked for them…

 

(Capt. Stops and realizes that it’s true.)

 

Comm: Their firing again! (Pause) Right!!!

 

(Everyone lurches right)

 

Captain: DOH!

 

Owen: (Aside) Wait a minute… in all the Star Trek episodes I’ve ever seen, the ensign at the helm always is the first to die…

 

Comm: Left! No Right!!!

 

(everyone lurches in a different direction)

Owen: Uh oh…

 

Comm: This is it!!!

 

Owen: Ohhhhhhhhhh shit!!! (Owen covers his head in panic)

(With a loud boom, all the actors fly out of their chairs dead, except Owen and Mystery Man.)

 

Owen: (After the storm) Well… that was a slight surprise, but then again… it is my story! (Mystery Man tuns out again) No you don’t… I’m too close!

 

(Actors drop Star Trek Characters and remove all chairs)[7]

(Mystery Man enters from back to Down Center)

 

Mystery Man: Friends don’t let friends fall into the GAP…(Laughs evilly as three actors come on dancing to the “Soul Bossa Nova” as used in Austin Powers. They randomly shout “Pants!” as they dance in an appropriated style… the Mystery Man might even lead the bunch for a second, but then breaks off and runs away from Owen, who then follow on stage. He abruptly stops and jumps back when he sees the Dancers. Screams at a very high pitch and is almost too paralyzed to move… he screeches again and runs out the way he came. The Dancers slowly begin to dance off stage in random directions.)[8]

 

(When stage is quiet, Mystery Man walks on smugly since he managed to escape. After a second, he pulls out a cigar or cigarette and lights up! But before he can enjoy it too much, Owen shouts from offstage)

 

Owen: (offstage) Don’t move!

 

Mystery Man: (not knowing where the voice came from) What? (he runs off, but is stopped by Owen, who appears at the door at which he’s trying to escape, armed with a nerf blaster cannon of some sort.)

 

Owen: No more running, no more lies, no more pain!!! I don’t know why, but you are the center of all my problems…

 

Mystery Man: You know that’s not true… at least not entirely.

 

Owen: (Starting to faultier in his concentration) No… it’s gotta be you.

 

Mystery Man: (Kicks the gun out of Owen’s hands) So much for that… now where were we? Oh yes… I was just about to destroy everything precious to you… (looks off stage, behind him and calls with his finger. Actors 1 and 3, dressed as cloaked figures, bring on Gabby, who is tied to a stake and ready to be burned.) (staring down his minions) How foolish of you to soak her in oil!!! I mean, if someone just happen to strike a match, or maybe drop some hot ashes on her, she would burn up! Now that isn’t very responsible is it? (He is about to flick off the ashes from his cigarette)

 

Owen: No!!! (jumps Mystery Man, and grabs the cigarette and extinguishes it)

Mystery Man: That wasn’t wise… (he gestures again, and touches Owen… which makes Owen scream in pain again… this time, he holds Owen, until he is well subdued to the ground and he grabs even harder to give a clear message of discontentment.) You’ll do well not to interfere with my fun, again! (He waves his minions and Gabby off)

 

Owen: Then you’ll just have to finish me off…

 

Mystery Man: Very well, then! (He reaches back, and a Minion runs out and hands him a light saber. He activates it in the proper Darth Vader way)

 

Owen: Ummm… this can’t be good!

 

Gabby: (offstage) Owen, here!!! (tosses a single juggling ring to Owen, he catches)

 

Eddie: (offstage) This should help even the odds! (tosses another juggling ring)

 

Ally: (offstage) I’m sorry for what I said, Owen… but your our last hope! (tosses last ring to Owen)

 

Owen: Ho-boy! This could get interesting… (he poses, and a technoish fighting music starts to play) This is where it ends… once and for all.

 

(Mystery Man doesn’t say a thing… just holds ready until Owen strikes with his rings… following the two should got at it in a dance like fighting style, striking and counterstriking… sometimes with Owen getting the upper hand, and sometimes the MM getting the upper hand…Owen, might even get a hold of the Nerf gun, and fires a few rounds off, to no avail. This goes on for quite sometime, until the Mystery Man starts to get really good and disarms Owen, and eventually corners him.)

 

Mystery Man: You can’t win… you never could! (Owen doesn’t say anything, and holds out his chest so that he can finish Owen quickly… but Mystery Man is unable to strike.)

 

Owen: What’s the matter… still can’t finish me off?

 

(Mystery Man raises his saber in the air and makes Owen flinch and pull out his mask. He holds it up like a shield)

 

(Mystery Man pulls away and starts to laugh in victory)

 

Mystery Man: I’ve won!!! (Owen falls to his knees in pain, but doesn’t know why!) I knew you couldn’t get rid of you mask… and I knew that you would try to defend yourself with it… but in doing that, you have solidified my hold on you! I have won!!!

 

Owen: (compenplativly) The mask…?  It was the mask all along… no, it was me… “I am of you…” No wonder I couldn’t hurt you, every time I attacked you I was in essence attacking myself…

 

Mystery Man: Oh, look who finally caught up! You’ve learned nothing from your journey, and because of it, I have won! Look…

 

(Gabby stumbles on, beaten a bruised, she collapses on in front of Owen.)

 

Gabby: Why couldn’t you save me, Owen? Why???  And Eddie… he’s… he’s… oh, it’s all your fault too! if you hadn’t been so stupid, Owen.

 

(Offstage, the other two actors start yelling insults like, “If you weren’t so fat/slow/stupid/gay/whatever”. The tension builds and builds until silence interrupts abruptly and all attention is turned to Gabby)

 

Gabby: “Oh Owen, they hath killed me”… (Is about to die, then lunges back to life to state where the quote was from) MacBeth. (dies)

 

Owen: (in despair) Gabby? Gab… get up… get up!!! Oh no, you don’t… you can’t just… nooooooooooooooooo!!! (Owen looks hard at the mask again then Gabby’s corpse, while Mystery Man is smirking in the background)

 

Mystery Man: Oh… how touching… enough to make me sick! Don’t worry, you’ll join your little friend soon.

 

Owen: But, you can’t harm me, unless I initiate the attack.

 

Mystery Man: (bitterly)Yes, that’s true… but it doesn’t matter… you laid the final blow years ago. How did you put it? “I’ve known for quite some time that I’m doomed to live a life of solitude…” Well, you were right… and now that you’ve gotten it, the only thing left for you is death.

 

Owen: (after a second of shock, realizing that he might have a point, he turns and shouts) No… there has got to be something… simple pleasures, expensive things… anything! This can’t be the end…!

 

Mystery Man: Well, your obviously not happy with this, so it’s time to end it all, Owen (Raises his sword for the final strike)

 

Owen: Nooooooooo!!! (Owen quickly pulls out the mask and rips it in half, the MM stops cold… pause while some chant type music plays in the background… begins to breath more and more heavily, and is unable to hold on to the light saber any more. Soon, he collapses to his knees and looks up disgusted with Owen)

 

Mystery Man: You’ll never be happy… you’ll never be human!!!

 

Owen: Maybe not… but at least I’ll be me… who ever that is.

 

Mystery Man: (With his last breath) You can never truly destroy me… maybe this body, but my presence will haunt you to the… day… you…     die…

 

Owen: And I’ll be waiting to ignore you.

 

(City of Angels Music Track 13 plays softly in the background)

(Owen walks up to Gabby, who hasn’t moved yet… kneels over and examines her further… he turns her over on her back, and folds her hands across her chest. He tenderly runs his hand across her check)

 

Owen: Such a terrible price to pay… I never wanted you to get hurt… I never wanted anyone to get hurt… not like this! No more…

 

(Owen leans over and kisses Gabby on the forehead, pulls back tenderly, takes her hand)

(Blackout)

 

(Final Scene:  Male Actor 1 walks out with a script in hand. The scene should be extremely familiar to the opening except there is an audenice of the other three actors and Owen.)

 

Male 1: Memory is one of the most important things a person could hold onto. More valuable than gold or silver, far more precious than any sparkling gem... Memory could very well be the only thing that survives above all else, and yet at the same time, Memory can also be lost in the blink of an eye, and can never be revived…

 

(The speech continues uninterupted as in the first scene. The audenence is enthrolled by the production. Owen gets up quietly behind the others, so as to not disturbe anyone. He walks slowly to the door, pause, looks back one last time, pause, then steps out with a small grin on his face… he exits… alone.)

 

Male 1: (while above is going on) That is why I'm taking this journey... my past, present, and future have been obliterated by something so powerful, that I can't even remember when it happened or what caused it. I'm traveling through my misshapen past in the pursuit of truth... and maybe go against all odds, to reclaim what I treasure most... My life... My sanity... My memories past!

 

(Slow fade to black)

 

The End