What Happened To Us

UTRA 4

"Chidinma approaches Kunle"

CHIDINMA
Please, I think we should go through the notifications.

KUNLE
(Reads out one of the articles on his phone)
Africa loses one-fourth of its population to an unknown virus that turns man into beasts and predators.

STEPH
Don't tell me you all believe that.

FRANK
(Chuckles)
Sounds like a script from a Hollywood movie.

CHIDINMA
Keep reading.

KUNLE
Our world is in chaos as they walk among us seeking who to devour.
In three species they dwell among us. The beast, the carriers, and the resistants.

CHIDINMA
And what does that mean?

KUNLE
The beast preys on us....

FRANK
(Interrupts Kunle)
Guys, why is he shouting?
(Sees Mr. Ajayi run back towards the train.)

Mr. AJAYI
Everyone back to the train!
(Runs towards the train with Ayo in his hands)

"Chidinma catches sight of the ugliest thing she has ever seen in her life in the form of a human chasing after Mr. Ajayi."

CHIDINMA
Back to the train everyone!
(Rushes into the train)

STEPH
(Turns to Mrs. Emeh)
Mum let's go back!

Mrs. EMEH
No weapon fashion against me shall prosper.
He has given me power over serpent and scorpion.
(Brings out her anointing oil and begins to speak in tongues)

STEPH
Mummy, we have to go!

CHIDINMA
Steph, come inside now!

STEPH
(Sees the beast is getting closer)
Mummy let's go!
(Mrs. Emeh ignores her and continues in her prayers)
Mummy!
(Steph quickly rushed onto the train)

FRANK
(Helps Mrs. Ajayi to get up)
Ma, we have to go on the train now.

Mrs. AJAYI
Why?
Where is my husband?

FRANK
Ma, no time for questions we have to go now except you want to die!
(Holds her by the wrist and goes into the train.)

"The beasts increase in their number."

KUNLE
We have to shut the doors.

CHIDINMA
What?
No!
We have to wait for that man and his daughter.

STEPH
(Cries out)
Mummy, come inside, na!
Please.

KUNLE
(Turns to Chidinma)
We can't wait any longer.

Mrs. AJAYI
(Grabs Kunle by his shirt)
You are not going to leave my family out there.
(Attempts to go out of the train, but Frank and an elderly man hold her back)

"Mr. Ajayi falls to the ground and attempts to get up but feels an unbearable pain in his leg."

Mr. AJAYI
(Trembles at the sight of the beast)
Please stay away.
(Ayo begins to cry)
Please!

"The beast takes Ayo from his hands and flings her away."

Mr. AJAYI
No!

Mrs. AJAYI
(Scream out)
No!
Let me go
(Franks holds her firmly)

"Kunle shuts the door."

"The ugly creature grips Mr. Ajayi by the neck and bits through his skin, Mr. Ajayi screams out in unbearable pain."

STEPH
(Turns to Kunle)
Opens the door, my mother is still out there.

KUNLE
Your Mother chose to be out there.

HENRY
Open this door!
Watin dey worry you?

STEPH
Oga, open this door or you nor go like watin I go do.

KUNLE
Look around you for a moment!
You want make I risk other people lives because say your mama choose to pray to her God when she suppose save herself.

CHIDINMA
(Turns to Steph)
Calm down, Steph.

STEPH
Do not tell me to calm down.
(Turns to Kunle)
Open that door if you know what is good for you.

HENRY
Guy, you nor dey hear us at all?
Open this door!
(Attempts to attack Kunle.)

TOGU
(Stops Henry)
Guy, calm down.

SAM
Oga open this door, na!

"Mr. Ajayi attempts to break through and go into the train."

"Mrs. Ajayi slowly watches Mr. Ajayi's face darken, wrinkle, and turn into an unrecognizable beast."

Mrs. AJAYI
No!
(Screams out in tears)
Honey, no. Come back to me!
(Frank tries to calm her down)

"Mrs. Emeh bangs on the door as she watches Mr. Ajayi turn into a beast."

Mrs. EMEH
Open this door.

"Steph turns to Kunle."

STEPH
What is your problem?
Can't you hear her knocking and screaming?

KUNLE
How would you know that is her?

HENRY
What kind of stupid question is that?
Watin dey worry this guy?

STEPH
Guy, you high on something or what?
That's my mother's voice.

"Henry Pushes Kunle away and opens the door."

STEPH
Mummy, come in.

"Mrs. Emeh slants her neck to her left and slowly her face begins to wrinkle and take a different form."

CHIDINMA
Steph do not touch her.
That isn't your Mum.
(Holds Steph and prevents her from reaching out to Mrs. Emeh.)

STEPH
(Tears stream down her eyes as she watches her Mum turn into a beast)
No!
Mummy, no!

"Chidinma pulls Steph back in and shuts the door behind her."

STEPH
No!
Mummy, no.
(Cries out uncontrollably)

"Chidinma pulls Steph into her arms."