The Story of Four Animals

Act I

Scene 1

(Lights up; The scene shows a neighborhood with Yellow and Pink houses upstage center; Toby comes in stage right walking to center stage; as Toby is walking, he's holding a piece of paper in his paws)

Toby: Ok let's see what's next on my agenda. Tree a cat, I did that; go for a swim, I did that too.

(Milo comes in stage left; walking to center stage he his enjoying himself)

Milo: What a nice sunny day, just perfect to warm my fur.

(Milo and Toby don't see one another and run into each other center stage; Milo and Toby together)-Ooof!! (Then they both fall down; Toby get's up quickly)

Toby (Angry): Hey, watch where you're going!

(Milo gets up more slowly, turns around and looks at Toby)

Milo (Angry; "barks" 3x ending with a growl): Why don't you watch where you're going!

Toby (Confused): Did you just bark at me cat?

Milo (Looking Proud): Oh I am not a cat; I'm a dog.

Toby (Tilts his head to one side): Um, ok. (Circles around Milo then stops; Confused) But you look like a cat to me.

Milo (Walks downstage left): Well, let me shine some light on the subject. You see my family was a pack of dogs and...

(Toby following; Stops with Milo; Both are downstage left)

Toby: Wait, a group of dogs raised you? (Laughing) That is the silliest thing I've ever heard!

Milo (Angry): Hey, don't make fun of my family! Just who do you think you are?

Toby (Proud): My name is Toby. (Looking down) And from your collar I guess your name is Milo right?

Milo (Starting to relax): That's right.

Toby (Stern): Well Milo, just stay out of my way ok?

(Toby starts walking stage right; Milo follows)

Milo (Mockingly): Sure, as long as you stay out of my way Toby.

(Toby turns; Walks up to Milo; Both are downstage center)

Toby: What's that supposed to mean?

(Milo goes behind him; Starts walking offstage right)

Milo: Oh, nothing.

Toby (Following): You know, I really dislike cats.

(Both stop downstage right; Looking at each other)

Milo: I'm a dog remember? But what would you know.

Toby (Sternly): Plenty, and at least I know who I am. (Pause) Mark my words Milo, I won't forget this!

(Toby turns and runs offstage left; Milo yells after him)

Milo (Yelling): But I didn't do anything! I was just having some fun!

(Toby stops; Looks back over his shoulder with a mean look; Turns and keeps running offstage left; Milo looks concerned; but then turns around and continues walking offstage right)

(Lights fade out)