Inside August's bedroom in Ivy's house. A window is open, and there is a telescope pointing out of it. August is furiously writing and, on occasion, looking through the telescope. Ivy is frantic.
Enter Ivy.
Ivy: August! August, please don't be asleep!
August: (irritated) What is it? I have two projects, six papers, and four finals due next week. Does your problem measure up to mine?
Ivy: Yes, it does! Let me in!
August: Does it really?
Ivy: August!
August: Fine, come in. You have ninety seconds.
Ivy: A star in the Big Dipper is gone!
There is a pause.
August: (sarcastically) Of course.
Ivy: No, August, you have to believe me! It's the one that would make the upper right corner of the square-
August: (interrupting) Ladle. It's called the Big Dipper because it looks like a ladle.
Ivy: Well, it doesn't look a ladle anymore!
August: Ivy, just please leave me alone. I have more work to do that I can count.
Ivy: (pointing at telescope) Will you at least use that to check?
August: Fine.
August adjusts the telescope and peers through it. After aiming, he draws back.
August: There is nothing unusual out there. Now go to bed or something.
Ivy: Can you let me see?
August: Fine, what damage can you do, anyway?
Ivy looks through the telescope. The star is still gone.
Ivy: Look right there, August! It's right in front of us. Well, I mean, it's right in front of us through the telescope but . . . but anyway, the star is still gone! Why can't you see it? Is there something wrong with me? Is there something wrong with the star?
August: I doubt there's anything wrong with Dubhe. You, on the other hand . . .
Ivy: But-
August: (interrupting) Get out. There is nothing going on with the Big Dipper.
Exit Ivy.
August: I swear to God, she never lets me work.
End scene.
YOU ARE READING
Lights Out
AdventureWhen seventh grader Ivy Kepler watches a star disappear from the night sky, her first instinct is to tell her brother, August. Despite his intelligence, he is of no help to Ivy, so she decides to take her problem to the only other person she thinks...
