I Wish - A Short Play

I Wish

*lights up on a stage, Claire and Mother are found at a cemetery, crying upon a grave, as the Priest says a few words*

Priest: we gather here today to mourn the death of Ariana Jones, loved by her family and friends.

*Claire and Mother cry, as the priest mouths inaudible words*

*funeral ends, and only Claire and Mother are left on stage*

Claire: I miss her *sniffs*

Mother: I know sweetie, but she's gone now *hugs Claire tight* 

Claire: but what will I do? She's my twin sister!

Mother: we will cope. Come on, sweetie, time to go home.

FLASH FORWARD 3 MONTHS

*lights up in Claire's bedroom, where she sits on the floor reading a newspaper*

Claire: *flicks through pages* car ads...house sales...birth notices...hmm... wait, what's this? *stares at page for a moment, before looking up at the audience* A Wizard? Since when does this town have a Wizard?

*Pauses for a moment, before gasping with an idea*

Claire: what if this Wizard can bring Ari back!

*Gets up and runs to the side of the stage*

Claire: Mum! I'm going out!

Mother: *from offstage* Okay!

*Claire runs off the other side of the stage. A few moments later, she runs back on stage and a Wizard sits at a table, writing in a book*

Claire: *panting* hello? Are you the Wizard?

*Wizard looks up from book and stares at Claire*

Wizard: why yes I am. How is that you found me, girl?

Claire: I found an ad in the newspaper, it said you grant real wishes!

Wizard: I put out no such ad. But, as you have found me, I shall grant you one wish. However, you cannot wish for more wishes.

Claire: *pauses* I wish...I wish for my sister to come back.

Wizard: your wish is my command. *pulls out wand and waves it*

*nothing happens as Claire looks around, expecting her sister*

Claire: where is she?

Wizard: she is awaiting your arrival at your house. Have a good day, Miss.

Claire: thank you!

*Claire runs off stage, before running back on to her bedroom, where a figure dressed in grey is sitting on her bed. When Claire enters the room, the figure looks up to reveal Ariana*

Claire: Ari?

Ariana: *smiles* did you miss me?

*Claire sighs in happiness and goes to hug her sister, before falling right through her. Stumbling, she gets back up*

*Claire stares at Ariana, a sad look in her eye*

Claire: why - why can't I touch you?

Ariana: *smiles sadly* because I'm not really here.

Claire: but you are here! You're standing right in front of me!