(AT THE RISE: Dan and Amanda, and elderly couple, are sitting on stage in rocking chairs. Dan is reading a newspaper, and Amanda is knitting. Lights come up as they rock and enjoy their mundane tasks.)
Dan: Amanda.
Amanda: Yes, Dan?
Dan: Why is it that after sixty or seventy something odd years, I still somehow manage to love you?
Amanda: Excuse me?
Dan: Think about it. I've had to deal with you since we were in preschool. And even though that was a millennium ago I still continue to listen to you cry about something you've misplaced.
Amanda: I have never once complained about losing something, because I don't misplace things. Take my dentures for example; I don't lose my dentures, but if you move my dentures, then I am not going to know where they are.
Dan: Woman, I have never touched your dentures. I'm to lazy to move your dentures. You complain about my butt being glued to the couch, and then you say I move yo dentures. So I ask you, is my butt glued to the couch? Or do I move your dentures.
Amanda: Your butt is glued to the couch.
Dan: Thank You.
Amanda: And when I leave the house you get up and move my dentures.
Dan: Woman I've never moved your dentures, because your dentures are in your mouth.
Amanda: This is my first set of dentures, you moved my second set.
Dan: You do not own a second set of dentures.
Amanda: How do you know? You are too busy being glued to the couch.
Dan: Which means I don't move your dentures!
Amanda: So you are saying I have lost them?
Dan: Yes! This entire conversation is about how you have misplaced your dentures.
Amanda: So what I'm hearing is you think I have Alzheimer's?
Dan: Woman, I have never once said you have Alzheimer's.
Amanda: So I'm just forgetful?
Dan: Yes!
Amanda: Oh Jesus he thinks I have Alzheimer's
Dan: I don't think you have Alzheimer's, although you do have a lying problem. Maybe you should go talk to Dr. Gordon about that.
Amanda: Now he's calling me a liar.
Dan: I'm not calling you a truther.
Amanda: Name one thing I've lied about.
Dan: Woman, you just lied to me about yo dentures!
Amanda: Okay, perhaps you didn't steal my dentures, but I most certainly did not misplace them.
Dan: This is what I'm talking about! I have had to put up with years of this. How is it that I still manage to love you, when you do stuff like this??
Amanda: Maybe it's because nothing better came along.
Dan: The lord knows that's right.
Amanda: Maybe it's because you don't believe in divorce.
Dan: I don't know about all th....
Amanda: Maybe it's because nothing better came along
Dan: You just said that!
Amanda: No I didn't
Dan: Yes, you did.
Amanda: Now he's saying I got Alzheimer's again
Dan: Woman, I've never said...
Amanda: Maybe it's because you've decided we're just stuck together!
Dan: Maybe So! (a beat) Or maybe there's no other person in the world who drives me crazy the way you do.
Amanda: Did you just call me insane?
Dan: Woman, will you just say I love you?
Amanda: I love you Dan.
Dan: And I love you Amanda. (The two begin to kiss as the lights fade)
(END OF PLAY)
YOU ARE READING
Dandelions and Other Short Plays (#wattys2016)
DiversosA collection of ten minute plays all written with the purpose to be performed on stage. I hope you enjoy
