I Deserve a Lighter // Purple Knuckles, Act 3 Scene 2

I Deserve a Lighter

Sam's teal convertible is parked outside of a gas station, with signage that acts as beacons of proud light dipped in pink. While Sam is leaning against the car, basking in the kaleidoscope of colours, Anna remains in the passenger seat, yet is unable to bask in the awesome luminescence because of the angle she is sitting at. Nevertheless, her car door is swung wide open, offering the audience a full glimpse of her sitting down. The sun has just set.

ANNA: Just got off the phone with them! They said they'll be here in about twenty minutes. We need to go soon, okay, Sam? There really must be no real reason why we're here, we need to go!

SAM: I almost forgot!

Sam looks up to the sky, scrapes his fingers from his forehead down to his chin, and then giggles in delight.

I almost forgot! I haven't felt so giddy in so long!

ANNA (trembling): You forgot something? Back home? No, no, Sam! What could you forget? It better not be important, because we can't go back! We'll have to do without it, that's all, end of story!

SAM: No, it's right here! I almost forgot to buy a cigarette!

ANNA: A cigarette? Winning makes you feel alive, huh, Sam?

SAM: Alive? There was another word...ach, the loss of words is tickling my brain like a rain on a rooftop, it's irking me...arrogant! The word is arrogant! I'm alive, and they should be thankful! And now that I think about it, I haven't drunk alcohol in a while, either. Maybe I should get some of that, too. I can now hold my liquor.You see what I did back there? First time I've ever worn my emotions on my sleeves and held my own!

ANNA: But you don't drink!

SAM: I don't smoke either! And neither do I ever win! This is all new to me, see...?

ANNA: Then why are you getting cigarettes? And by the way, you can't buy a cigarette, you buy them in packs! Thought you would know that...

SAM: There's many things I'm just starting to experience for the first time ever right now. Let me relish in them! Buying cigarettes is next on the list.

Sam uses his hands to push himself off the hood of the car and then proceeds to walk towards the gleaming light of the gas station.

ANNA: Sam, if you're not back in two minutes, I'm coming out of the car and getting you! I don't care if you're next in line or if you're in the middle of peeing, I'm coming to get you! You understand me! We need to leave.

SAM (stopping to turn back and sneer): Don't tell me what to do. I'll take my time, I swear! I'm going to do whatever I want -- if I'm in line and I see somebody behind me holding an unopened soda, I'm going to graciously offer him a spot in front of me in the line! If someone's taking a piss in the bathroom, then I'll patiently wait because I can! Or maybe...I'll knock on the door until they get out, or I'll kick the door down so that I can use it. Everything on my time!

ANNA: Again, don't try to buy a cigarette! You buy them in packs.

SAM: Oh! And I'll need a lighter, too! Thanks for reminding me.

Once Sam walks away and completely exits scene, Anna leans her head back in her headrest and exhales a balloon's worth of air, deflating like an inflatable noodle in the passenger seat.

ANNA: Sam, please come back soon.

She leans forward to check her watch and then kicks her head back against the headrest once again.