A Bunch Of Incomplete (and complete) Stories Of Mine

Writing 4: Richard & Fayeth

SCENE 1

When the play begins, Richard is driving his granddaughter Fayeth to the zoo.

FAYETH (teasing)

So before we get to the zoo... you think being old has affected your ability to play I Spy?

RICHARD

I think that sounds like a challenge.

FAYETH

That's because it is, old man! What do you say?

RICHARD

I think I can handle it. What's the game?

FAYETH

I spy! Come on I already said that, Grandpa.

RICHARD

Just testing your wits, kiddo. Alright, I spy--

FAYETH (playful and childlike)

Oooooooh, you didn't follow your rule!!

RICHARD

Wha--? What rule did I forget, silly?

FAYETH

That ladies always go first!!

RICHARD (nervous chuckle)

I'm just testing you to make sure you still advocate for yourself. Alright kiddo, what do you spy?

FAYETH

I spy something...

FAYETH stares at the windshield intensely, focusing more on their surroundings instead of the road they proceed down. She also glances out her window. She then smiles at the rear-view mirror.

Rectangular...

RICHARD

Rectangular?

FAYETH

Yup.

RICHARD

Rectangular...

FAYETH

Did they not teach you that word back in the dinosaur days?

RICHARD

Aren't we sharp today? Is it... the windshield?

FAYETH

Nah, nice try though.

RICHARD

Surely it's the...

RICHARD looks around the car, and becomes fixated with the side mirror.

Side-view mirror.

FAYETH

Nope!

RICHARD

Hmmmmm, okay. Then perhaps it's... the windshield!

FAYETH

Grandpa, you already said that...

RICHARD (surprised)

I did?

FAYETH (muttering)

...and I'm the silly one, huh?

RICHARD (laughing)

I may be a little forgetful but I'm not deaf yet, child!

FAYETH

You've been forgetting stuff a lot more lately.

RICHARD

So I've been told.

FAYETH

What's wrong, Grandpa?

RICHARD

I've been told I've been forgetful and very repetitive, especially in my last few years.

FAYETH

But everyone gets like that. You're just, ya' know, old.

RICHARD

I'm forgetting more than what people my age usually do.

FAYETH

Nahhhh, you don't know that.

RICHARD

I don't remember how we even got to this topic, dear.

FAYETH

Grandpa...

RICHARD

I'm forgetting a lot more than most.

FAYETH (cheerful)

It's not that bad! You're just tired. You'll be "sharp" as ever tomorrow!

RICHARD (tearing up)

Kiddo...

I don't even know where we are right now.

SCENE END