Site Specific Theater
Site Specific Theater is unique to urban spine. No one else provides this incredible experience for young people. From stage management to playwriting, voice technique to direction, students create their own theater in direct relationship to an environment. The end result is a tour of live plays set in a true setting: From playgrounds to hallways, parents are amazed with the unleashed creativity of their children. This tour of original, site specific theater utilizes unique skills sets: The relationship of story and environment, the complexity of team relationships, and the satisfaction of a finished product make this workshop a best seller Stage Combat Stage Combat inspires students that are typically difficult to reach. This active classes teaches the element of stage combat. Violence in the media is discussed and deconstructed. The student is taught how to notate stage combat, how to choreograph safely and effectively, and how to write dialogue. The end result is a completion of a stage combat scene with original dialogue. Parents are always amazed at the creativity of their children. Scriptwriting Ages 8 and up Activity Description Write your own short screenplay! Scriptwriters learn correct formatting of scriptwriting. Writers explore ideas and concepts through games and exercises which unlock creativity and bring scriptwriting to life. Goals & Objectives This workshop ends in a final presentation of the students’ original scripts, which can be filmed on any recording device. Structure of daily activities Scriptwriting elements are learnt through active participation in games, improvisations, and guided writing in both groups and independently. This active approach to writing keeps the written word dynamic and expressive, in a fun, participatory class that celebrates each individual’s voice. Literacy through authentic voice. Students learn the fine of art of dialogue writing. Literary aspects are explored, from character, to settings to conflict/resolution. Students learn the to write action through dialogue, emotional, intellectual, and contextual connections of this dynamic art form. Focus Literacy, dramatic structure, analysis of conflict resolution. Especially beneficial to students struggling with more conventional forms of literature Future classes:
Audition blast Limited 15 minute private sessions. We will make sure you are ready to walk into your audition prepared! Please come dressed as you are planning to for your audition. Reel Class Includes showcase evening Today's actor will increasingly find themselves producing their own work, editing their own demo reel, or improvising on screen. The TV studio assists the actor in the art of self producing. Have a tablet or an iphone? A video camera or a webcam? TV Studio will help you write, act, and use your existing tools to create your own product. Be an actor who can take their destiny into their own hands and make the type of TV you want to watch. Young Creators Includes showcase evening Create your own show! From stage management to playwriting, voice technique to direction, students create their own theater, developing their own unique voice. the modern actor increasingly needs to self prodcue, improv, and create...Act Out! provides all these skills, and the satisfaction of a finished product make this workshop a best seller. Story Theater Tots The ideal starting place for the the very young actor. Character, movement, and voice are taught through imaginative role play and co-operative. All students are allowed to create their own content of choice, and are empowered with the ability to choose the cultural and historical context which resonates with them. In this way, each students creativity and unique form of expression is supported and celebrated. This self expression is a vital experience for children. Showcases (16+) Ability A series of short pieces reflecting on perceived disabilities. Can an actor on crutches make a graceful dance? Can a blindfolded actor fit in? An exploration of perception vs. reality, written and performed by Studio Actors. (16+) Work A critical look at the new labor force. As our job market floods with poorly paid, corporate prescribed duties, how does this affect the worker? Workers speak out, walk out, give up, rise up. Written and performed by Studio Actors. (Studio Kids) Explorers From historical explorers to magical ones. the joys and fears of exploration and discovery. Written and performed by Studio Kids Actors. |
Unique Instruction
Our students are allowed to create their own content of choice, and are empowered with the ability to choose the cultural and historical context which resonates with them. In this way, universal stories are created which come directly for the student's perception, rather than a cultural context bring imposed upon them. This self expression is a vital experience for children, one rarely provided for. Connections to CA Standards Students learn vocabulary which exceeds CA standards, including all elements of plot, structure, character, genre, and advanced vocabulary of theatre and multi-media formats. Ask for a formal proposal! Filmmaking Filmmaking teaches storyboarding, scriptwriting to filming a finished product. Math, literature, and history are integrated into the media arts. We specialize in connecting students to their uniqueness, supporting them in expression through the art form of dialogue writing. . Shakespeare & Sword Ages 10 and up Activity Description Can there be a better way to learn the Bard’s words? Learn fights from the classics, tackling the text in the most dramatic of circumstances…with sword in hand! Can there be a better way to learn the Bard’s words? Learn fights from Shakespeare, tackling the text in the most dramatic of circumstances…with sword in hand! Students learn sword construction and technique, Elizabethan history, Shakespeare for actors, and stage combat techniques in a safe, respectable environment. Literacy and analysis of Shakespearean poetry, combined with the physical techniques with endless benefits of learning how to safely wield a sword. This workshop always inspires all students to enjoy Shakespeare. Find your backboneWe know what you need to succeed as an actor...because we've been there! From casting directors with questionable ethics to directors who stared at monitors instead of talking to actors, we know what a harsh and unsupportive climate the industry can be, particularly in LA. We are here to support the actor, providing actors with the skills needed to thrive: A strong backbone of skills, confidence, and creativity. Children are already intuitive, creative, and energetic, and should continue to find acting as play. Professional actors may need to regain their playful instincts to remember why they love their craft. The happy, confident, skilled actor is attractive to casting agents, able to be charming and improvise in all auditions, and possesses the inner fortitude needed to process rejection in the business. urban spine studio is skill based acting instruction that encourages individuality, creativity, and is dedicated to helping each actor, regardless of age, to succeed in finding the joy, passion, and skills they need. We believe excellence in education derives from engaging the student, and our classes are student centered: we follow the flow of ours students: Classes adapt to the students energy levels, passion, and skills. We believe profound learning derives from engaging the intellect, body, and emotional life of the student, so that each child can approach a problem or topic from the methodology they are most comfortable with. Through encouragement, excitement, and support of individuality, each actor can learn to express their own voice; to develop their own unique interests; and to perceive the world from varying perspectives, resulting in well rounded human beings with empathy and problem solving skills that will last a lifetime. Whether you are the parent of a creative a child, or a professional actor looking to keep your positive attitude, urban spine studio is committed to your success. We genuinely care. We will give you the skills needed to grow emotionally, intellectually, and physically as a professional actor. Shakespeare & Sword
Session 1: Fridays: 12-1:30 Begins Oct 23, still 2 spots available! Session 2: Wednesdays 10-11:30 Begins Nov 4, 4 spots available! Includes showcase evening Can there be a better way to learn the Bard’s words? Learn fights from Shakespeare, tackling the text in the most dramatic of circumstances…with sword in hand! Students learn sword construction and technique, Elizabethan history, Shakespeare for actors, and stage combat techniques in a safe, respectable environment. Literacy and analysis of Shakespearean poetry, combined with the physical techniques with endless benefits of learning how to safely wield a sword. This workshop always inspires all students to enjoy Shakespeare. Students must wear closed toe shoes and wear gloves. Stage combat Intro to sword: Thursdays 4-5:15 Ages 10-15 Intro to sword: Thursdays 5:30-7 Ages 16+ Intro to sword: Sundays 5-6:30 Ages 16+ Advanced sword: Sundays 6:30-8 Ages 16+ Monthly! The essential introduction to swordplay for actors. Learn techniques from a master Fight Director. improve physical clarity onstage, and connect stage combat to acting intent and emotion. Stage Combat is a codified art form that once learnt, makes it easy to choreograph and work with fight directors around the world. Since we use real stage combat swords, classes are extremely limited in space. Students must wear closed toe shoes and wear gloves. |
KID
COMEDIC
I wish I were a coyote, so I could run wild and free. I'd never have to do math. But, I might get cold at night. I know! I wish I was a goldfish! I would have my whole tank to play in. Maybe I'd be a rare, special species form Souh America, swimming around. But what if my owners forgot to feed me? Hm...Maybe I should be a Griffin or a Unicorn! A magical beast with magic powers. They never have to do math. But I might get tired of hiding if I was a magical creature. (Sighs). But I'm not an animal, I'm a kid. And I'd better finish this math.
COMEDIC
I wish I were a coyote, so I could run wild and free. I'd never have to do math. But, I might get cold at night. I know! I wish I was a goldfish! I would have my whole tank to play in. Maybe I'd be a rare, special species form Souh America, swimming around. But what if my owners forgot to feed me? Hm...Maybe I should be a Griffin or a Unicorn! A magical beast with magic powers. They never have to do math. But I might get tired of hiding if I was a magical creature. (Sighs). But I'm not an animal, I'm a kid. And I'd better finish this math.
Monologues (c) urban spine. Free to use, but please credit writer Victoria Goring for these wonderful works.
MILITARY KID
DRAMATIC
I wish my dad wasn’t in the army. I wish he wasn’t always away. Last time when he came back I was excited, my mom yelled at me to stop bouncing, I was so excited. But when dad came off the plane and hugged me he smelled like…a stranger. I didn’t remember how he smelled. It felt weird to give him a hug. I wish I had a regular family with a regular dad who goes to a regular job, like on TV. I wish my dad wasn’t maybe killing some other kids dad.
LOST KID
DRAMATIC
I think we’re lost. I know we’re lost. Okay, we’re lost. (To baby brother) Shh, stop crying. Mom and Dad will find us soon. We’ll just sit here and wait. Please stop crying! I am sure mom and dad will find us. Stop crying! Please Benny, you’re making me want to cry. I know we can be brave. We’ll sit here and be brave together, okay?
MILITARY KID
DRAMATIC
I wish my dad wasn’t in the army. I wish he wasn’t always away. Last time when he came back I was excited, my mom yelled at me to stop bouncing, I was so excited. But when dad came off the plane and hugged me he smelled like…a stranger. I didn’t remember how he smelled. It felt weird to give him a hug. I wish I had a regular family with a regular dad who goes to a regular job, like on TV. I wish my dad wasn’t maybe killing some other kids dad.
LOST KID
DRAMATIC
I think we’re lost. I know we’re lost. Okay, we’re lost. (To baby brother) Shh, stop crying. Mom and Dad will find us soon. We’ll just sit here and wait. Please stop crying! I am sure mom and dad will find us. Stop crying! Please Benny, you’re making me want to cry. I know we can be brave. We’ll sit here and be brave together, okay?
From "The Burning Woman"
MAN, DRAMATIC
AGE 20-50
Harmon:
I feel it alright. I feel it. I feel the weight of the goddamned world sitting on my shoulders. You think I’m an old man? Well surprise, I feel like one. I’ve been taking care of this family my entire life. Covering up the shame about our missing mother, the embarrassment of having every boy in high school getting to feel up my sister’s shirt, the guilt of not having stopped by the one day my grandparents died in their kitchen making tea. Making tea, they died over tea. And now I discover they each survived the most deadly, encompassing virus in modern history and they died making tea.
From "HELL IS A CUBICLE"2 actors, any age or sex
COMEDIC
Customer enters, setting off a bell chime.
Ding dong
TELLER
Fruit Emporium, how may we make your day a delicious one?
CUSTOMER
Hi. Wow, well, I was just looking to pick up some fruit.
TELLER
Fruit is what we do best!
CUSTOMER
Looks like that's all you do.
TELLER
We're a specialty store for special shopping!
CUSTOMER
Well I'm making a fruit salad, so I guess I'll get some apples…
TELLER
May I just point out that all our fruit belong to an easy to purchase plan!
CUSTOMER
Um, okay. So I also need…
TELLER
No hidden fees, no hidden taxes! One easy payment!
CUSTOMER
Great. So the apples, and I guess I'll get….
TELLER
Let me just scan those!
Teller scans the fruit.
Beep
TELLER
One easy price of two dollars!
CUSTOMER
Okay. And these bananas…
TELLER
Let me just scan those
CUSTOMER
Aren't they part of that easy price?
TELLER
Guaranteed!
Teller scans the fruit.
Beep
TELLER
One easy price of two dollars!
CUSTOMER
So everything is two dollars.
TELLER
Simplicity in shopping!
CUSTOMER
You know, two dollars is a pretty simple price. Ever thought about just memorizing it?
TELLER
Corporate policy forbids relying on human error.
CUSTOMER
That's too bad. Well, I'll get the apples and bananas, and maybe some…
TELLER
I'm sorry, only one fruit selection per customer.
CUSTOMER
Come again?
TELLER
Each customer is allowed only one fruit selection.
CUSTOMER
I'm making a fruit salad.
TELLER
So shall I option you in for the Apple experience or the Bananas?
CUSTOMER
Fruit salad requires more than one fruit.
TELLER
Sorry, that's our policy.
CUSTOMER
I just want to recap our relationship here. This is a store, right?
TELLER
A shopping destination!
CUSTOMER
A store, that sells fruit.
TELLER
We now offer a selection of quality dried products.
CUSTOMER
Dried fruit.
TELLER
Guaranteed to contain at least 80% real fruit products.
CUSTOMER
Basically, this is a fruit store.
TELLER
Basically.
CUSTOMER
And I'm a customer. I believe how it works is that I give you valid currency, you give me the fruit I want, the mark-up covers your salary, and we all go home happy.
TELLER
Sorry! That's Fruit Emporium policy!
CUSTOMER
May I speak to your manager?
TELLER
The manager's next pre authorized visit is Friday. Shall I pencil in an appointment for you?
CUSTOMER
Is there anyone else who could maybe help us out here?
TELLER
Fruit Emporiums are individually staffed for maximum profitability.
CUSTOMER
Look, would you just sell me the damn fruit.
TELLER
There's no need to raise your voice. I have the right to refuse service.
CUSTOMER
What the hell?
TELLER
Fruit emporium has a zero tolerance policy regarding offensive language
CUSTOMER
Are you on some kind of fruit power trip?
TELLER
I'm going to refuse service!
CUSTOMER
I can be a lot more offensive than that.
TELLER
I'm warning you, my finger is on the panic button.
CUSTOMER
A panic button?
TELLER
That's right
CUSTOMER
You have a panic button?
TELLER
My finger's on it.
CUSTOMER
Well go ahead and press it.
TELLER
I'm going to press it!
CUSTOMER
Go ahead and panic! That's helpful. Summon the cops, whom I'm sure will want to arrest me for attempting to shop in a store!
From "Touched"
DRAMATIC
Any sex or age.
Red:
Wrong wrong wrong! You fail the humanity test Blue! You fail! You think people are frustrated by the bureaucracy but it’s the inhumanity that turns us into raving madmen. What makes us nuts is the indifference that seeps out from your voice through the wireless technology that connects two humans yet manages to keep them apart! You‘re in some far off country that I can’t pronounce stashed in a warehouse that I could never find, and good thing too, or folks would be regularly showing up pumping your warehouse full of bullets. I know you’re trying to do a job and yet you demand the intimate details of my life and it means nothing to you, nothing! Do they extract the humanity from you at the start of your shift? Is there a program for that? Because I can’t get how you manage not to feel.
From "Matchmaker"
1 MAN, 1 WOMAN
ROMANTIC COMEDY
AGES 30-50
Joe looks at her, stops himself.
JOE
I have to go.
Hayden holds up Roz’s photo.
HAYDEN
How’d you like to meet “Pretty” Roz?
Joe stands up, calls to Kid.
JOE
Time’s up! We have to go now if you want ice cream!
HAYDEN
She’s brilliant, nurturing,and really wants kids.
Joe turns back to Hayden
JOE
Who are you?
Hayden hands Joe her card. Joe turns the card over, reads “Matchmaker”.
JOE (CONT’D)
Unbelievable.
HAYDEN
Wanting love and children is very believable. And in my experience, most folks need a help selecting an appropriate mate.
JOE
I’m married.
HAYDEN
Perhaps no one helped you choose, and now you regret your choice?
JOE
I’m still married. (To Kid) We’re leaving!
HAYDEN
What harm would it do to meet Roz? Se how you feel around her, if there’s that spark...
Joe is conflicted.
JOE
Maybe I’m not as happy as I imagined I’d be on my wedding day. But... I’m a poet. If my wife gives me hell for not pulling my weight in our marriage...she’s got a point.
Hayden taps Roz’s photo.
HAYDEN
Roz can easily support a family. You could be a poet and a dad.
Joe hands Hayden her card back.
HAYDEN (CONT’D)
Most marriages fail. It’s okay to admit you’ve made a mistake.
JOE
I take pride in honoring my choices. It’s a value I would teach my children.
HAYDEN
If you were allowed to have them.
Joe stops, looks at Hayden. Joe shifts.
JOE
I’m here every Wednesday.
HAYDEN
Great!
Hayden snaps his photo on her cell.
FROM "DISPOSABLE WORLD (C) TM
WOMAN, COMEDIC
AGE 20-40
Dora enters with the tail end of the audience, carrying a paper bag.
Dora: Did I miss the beginning? I hate missing the beginning. If I miss the beginning I'm left with a lingering sense that I've missed out.
Oh my Gosh, I forgot my heart!
Dora runs offstage
Has anyone seen my heart? That's my heart, that's it!
Dora runs back in talking to heart in a paper bag.
You're going to make us miss the beginning, and you know I hate missing the beginning.
Notices audience
Do you have a cigarette? Do you? Don’t give me one! Even if I beg. Even if I say don’t pay attention to what I said before, please give me a cigarette now, don’t give me one. It’s just that since I got my (referring to paper bag)… heart back, it’s difficult. Not to smoke, that is.
I had assumed that my heart was being nurtured and well fed. But you see the condition my heart has been returned in: A pathetic mess, completely dependent upon finding a …(Big staged whisper) man. My heart is, that is, I’m not, looking for a man, that is. I could care less. (Super cheerful). I’m completely happy being me, happy single me. (Dora fights off tears) Do you have a cigarette? No? That’s good, very good. You've been listening.
(Opens bag again, speaks to it). What? I don’t know how many men are watching. I haven't been counting. I am not going to…well I’m not (Becoming exasperated) I can't hand you over to the first cute guy who…well I can't. I tried that last time and it didn’t work out. You want to count how many cute men are here? Fine.
Dora puts the bag on the stage, opens it, and stands back.
Dora: Take a look for yourself.
Long pause Well? Are you coming out or not?
Anyone have a cigarette? Don’t answer that, don’t even answer that. I’m happy being single me, only happier when I’m not so single me.
(To latecomers; IMPROV LINE) Come on in, don't mind me, you haven't missed the beginning.
(Dora steps on stage to retrieve her heart). I've never been part of a show before. (To audience). You should give it try, it's a great view.
Dora: (Whispers to paper bag) The show’s about to start. (To bag) Okay, okay, I’ll try to sit next to someone cute. (Dora picks her way through the audience until she finds a seat.) I sure hope there’s a happy ending. I don’t mind crying in the middle as long as there’s a happy ending.
Dora sits in the audience. Lights dim to black.
1 MAN, 1 WOMAN
ROMANTIC COMEDY
AGES 30-50
Joe looks at her, stops himself.
JOE
I have to go.
Hayden holds up Roz’s photo.
HAYDEN
How’d you like to meet “Pretty” Roz?
Joe stands up, calls to Kid.
JOE
Time’s up! We have to go now if you want ice cream!
HAYDEN
She’s brilliant, nurturing,and really wants kids.
Joe turns back to Hayden
JOE
Who are you?
Hayden hands Joe her card. Joe turns the card over, reads “Matchmaker”.
JOE (CONT’D)
Unbelievable.
HAYDEN
Wanting love and children is very believable. And in my experience, most folks need a help selecting an appropriate mate.
JOE
I’m married.
HAYDEN
Perhaps no one helped you choose, and now you regret your choice?
JOE
I’m still married. (To Kid) We’re leaving!
HAYDEN
What harm would it do to meet Roz? Se how you feel around her, if there’s that spark...
Joe is conflicted.
JOE
Maybe I’m not as happy as I imagined I’d be on my wedding day. But... I’m a poet. If my wife gives me hell for not pulling my weight in our marriage...she’s got a point.
Hayden taps Roz’s photo.
HAYDEN
Roz can easily support a family. You could be a poet and a dad.
Joe hands Hayden her card back.
HAYDEN (CONT’D)
Most marriages fail. It’s okay to admit you’ve made a mistake.
JOE
I take pride in honoring my choices. It’s a value I would teach my children.
HAYDEN
If you were allowed to have them.
Joe stops, looks at Hayden. Joe shifts.
JOE
I’m here every Wednesday.
HAYDEN
Great!
Hayden snaps his photo on her cell.
FROM "DISPOSABLE WORLD (C) TM
WOMAN, COMEDIC
AGE 20-40
Dora enters with the tail end of the audience, carrying a paper bag.
Dora: Did I miss the beginning? I hate missing the beginning. If I miss the beginning I'm left with a lingering sense that I've missed out.
Oh my Gosh, I forgot my heart!
Dora runs offstage
Has anyone seen my heart? That's my heart, that's it!
Dora runs back in talking to heart in a paper bag.
You're going to make us miss the beginning, and you know I hate missing the beginning.
Notices audience
Do you have a cigarette? Do you? Don’t give me one! Even if I beg. Even if I say don’t pay attention to what I said before, please give me a cigarette now, don’t give me one. It’s just that since I got my (referring to paper bag)… heart back, it’s difficult. Not to smoke, that is.
I had assumed that my heart was being nurtured and well fed. But you see the condition my heart has been returned in: A pathetic mess, completely dependent upon finding a …(Big staged whisper) man. My heart is, that is, I’m not, looking for a man, that is. I could care less. (Super cheerful). I’m completely happy being me, happy single me. (Dora fights off tears) Do you have a cigarette? No? That’s good, very good. You've been listening.
(Opens bag again, speaks to it). What? I don’t know how many men are watching. I haven't been counting. I am not going to…well I’m not (Becoming exasperated) I can't hand you over to the first cute guy who…well I can't. I tried that last time and it didn’t work out. You want to count how many cute men are here? Fine.
Dora puts the bag on the stage, opens it, and stands back.
Dora: Take a look for yourself.
Long pause Well? Are you coming out or not?
Anyone have a cigarette? Don’t answer that, don’t even answer that. I’m happy being single me, only happier when I’m not so single me.
(To latecomers; IMPROV LINE) Come on in, don't mind me, you haven't missed the beginning.
(Dora steps on stage to retrieve her heart). I've never been part of a show before. (To audience). You should give it try, it's a great view.
Dora: (Whispers to paper bag) The show’s about to start. (To bag) Okay, okay, I’ll try to sit next to someone cute. (Dora picks her way through the audience until she finds a seat.) I sure hope there’s a happy ending. I don’t mind crying in the middle as long as there’s a happy ending.
Dora sits in the audience. Lights dim to black.
From "The Burning Woman"
DRAMATIC
1 MAN, I WOMAN
AGES 20-45
(Carter plays with the veil )
CARTER: What was she thinking? That being around Austin’s twin would make her feel as if she hadn’t lost him? What goes through people’s minds when they marry? Enlighten me.
HARMON: According to your track record, I’m not the average married man.
CARTER: Because you’ve never strayed from your vows?
HARMON: Because I’m still in love with my wife.
CARTER: So your mind was without a doubt, free of worry, as you walked down that aisle?
HARMON: I don’t recall.
CARTER: Oh come on, the most pivotal day in your otherwise dull life and you don’t recall what you were thinking?
HARMON: It’s none of your business.
CARTER: Tell me.
HARMON: Why Carter? Why do you have to know every little thing about me?
CARTER: I don’t know anything about you. You’re more of a mystery to me than grandma or grandpa. I don’t know the slightest thing that goes on inside that head of yours.
HARMON: If you must know, I was thinking, if only my mother could have been there. That’s what I was thinking.
Carter puts on the veil, transforming into Iris.
From "If"
WOMAN, DRAMATIC
AGE 25-50
JESS
This is my home, you are my husband. Or do you think I’m guilty? Of what? Of losing my child? (to Officer) And what do you think I’m guilty of?
Well I’ll tell you what I’m guilty of.
Because I am only guilty of doing what every mother has done at least once in her life, no, probably at least once a day, which is look away, get distracted, it’s natural, every mother does it, we just, for a moment, lose sight.
(To Officer). I want to know how a child dressed in bright colours can disappear in front of a whole mal full of witnesses. I want to know why a mother being emotional is a crime. I want to know when lack of feeling became a virtue. I want to know when was it the world decided we should no longer feel? And why didn't anyone tell me?
FROM "WRONGED"
1 WOMAN, 1 MAN OR WOMAN
AGES 25-60
LAWYER
Jenny?
JENNY
You a friend of Ina’s?
LAWYER
God no, she’s horrible.
JENNY
A real criminal. Abandoned her only child. As if every moment with them wasn’t precious. I left my babies once to call 911, once, and I got 20 years.
LAWYER
Did your case rely on the testimony of a Coroner?
JENNY
He never even met me. And he said I beat my Roy. I never. Sometimes I’d get so mad or frustrated I’d whack myself on the head, take the anger out, kick a wall maybe. But my kids? Never.
LAWYER
I believe you.
JENNY
Why? This place is full of hateful women who’d kill for a crack pipe.
LAWYER
I believe you may be a victim of miscarried justice.
JENNY
Maybe you just want to believe that.
LAWYER
The cases relating to this Coroner have a direct correlation to all sorts of hell.
JENNY
At the trial, that lawyer they gave me, he just thought I’d done it. But I took Roy to doctors! I went to those fancy doctors at the West, but they hated I had a double stroller in their white waiting room.
LAWYER
Can I represent you Jenny? Pro Bono, of course.
JENNY
Ricky and Rachel will be nine this fall. 9! I missed their life. Roy, he’s dead, but at least I was there for his life.
LAWYER
You could have your name cleared. Be freed, get the twins back.
Jenny stands up abruptly and panics.
JENNY
Why give me hope now?
LAWYER
Will you let me help me?
JENNY
Can you give me back those eight years? Heal Roy’s bruises Get me one dollar of child support from them deadbeats? Can you fix this shitty world? LAWYER
I can try.
Jenny collapses to the floor, pulls her knees in tight and rocks back and forth.
Roy puts his arms around her.
JENNY
I was a good mother. I had nothing but love, but that I had lots of. I was good mother. I was.
Lawyer crouches down in front of Jenny.
LAWYER
You still are a mother. I promise you, I will try my best. If anyone can help you, it will be me. Now, are you going to let me help me?
JENNY
I didn’t kill Roy. He just died.
LAWYER
I believe you. And if I believe you, the world will too.
1 WOMAN, 1 MAN OR WOMAN
AGES 25-60
LAWYER
Jenny?
JENNY
You a friend of Ina’s?
LAWYER
God no, she’s horrible.
JENNY
A real criminal. Abandoned her only child. As if every moment with them wasn’t precious. I left my babies once to call 911, once, and I got 20 years.
LAWYER
Did your case rely on the testimony of a Coroner?
JENNY
He never even met me. And he said I beat my Roy. I never. Sometimes I’d get so mad or frustrated I’d whack myself on the head, take the anger out, kick a wall maybe. But my kids? Never.
LAWYER
I believe you.
JENNY
Why? This place is full of hateful women who’d kill for a crack pipe.
LAWYER
I believe you may be a victim of miscarried justice.
JENNY
Maybe you just want to believe that.
LAWYER
The cases relating to this Coroner have a direct correlation to all sorts of hell.
JENNY
At the trial, that lawyer they gave me, he just thought I’d done it. But I took Roy to doctors! I went to those fancy doctors at the West, but they hated I had a double stroller in their white waiting room.
LAWYER
Can I represent you Jenny? Pro Bono, of course.
JENNY
Ricky and Rachel will be nine this fall. 9! I missed their life. Roy, he’s dead, but at least I was there for his life.
LAWYER
You could have your name cleared. Be freed, get the twins back.
Jenny stands up abruptly and panics.
JENNY
Why give me hope now?
LAWYER
Will you let me help me?
JENNY
Can you give me back those eight years? Heal Roy’s bruises Get me one dollar of child support from them deadbeats? Can you fix this shitty world? LAWYER
I can try.
Jenny collapses to the floor, pulls her knees in tight and rocks back and forth.
Roy puts his arms around her.
JENNY
I was a good mother. I had nothing but love, but that I had lots of. I was good mother. I was.
Lawyer crouches down in front of Jenny.
LAWYER
You still are a mother. I promise you, I will try my best. If anyone can help you, it will be me. Now, are you going to let me help me?
JENNY
I didn’t kill Roy. He just died.
LAWYER
I believe you. And if I believe you, the world will too.
From "If"
WOMAN, DRAMATIC
AGE 30-60
RACHEL
Do you have children? And could you give them away? Of course it's a ridiculous question. That's the point. You can never give up a child's love. Not willingly. That, precisely, is my point.
When the tears came, they sweetly soaked into my shoulder straight to my heart. It was already too late. That’s when I considered cutting Ree’s hair, hiding her, moving far away. For I already knew I would turn into a mother bear fierce and vengeful if Ree was to be taken from me.
I know what I did was wrong. I know that. But these little arms around my neck, how could I possibly tear them away?
WOMAN, DRAMATIC
AGE 30-60
RACHEL
Do you have children? And could you give them away? Of course it's a ridiculous question. That's the point. You can never give up a child's love. Not willingly. That, precisely, is my point.
When the tears came, they sweetly soaked into my shoulder straight to my heart. It was already too late. That’s when I considered cutting Ree’s hair, hiding her, moving far away. For I already knew I would turn into a mother bear fierce and vengeful if Ree was to be taken from me.
I know what I did was wrong. I know that. But these little arms around my neck, how could I possibly tear them away?
From "Absence of Weight"
WOMAN, DRAMATIC
AGE 20-50
Francis sleeps. Joy sits down, fatigued
You win. I’m going to sleep now. I’m closing my eyes and joining you.
Joy climbs into bed next to Francis, tries to sleep. Joy cannot sleep
Francis?
I went to the walk-in today. After my run in with the metaphor. I know, don’t tell me, don’t you interrupt again!
I know you think I should get a real doctor, as if the doctors in the walk-in are two dimensional photocopies of the ‘real’ thing.
But I like walk-in doctors. They treat you like a first date both of you know isn’t going to go anywhere, so you get everything out as quickly as possible. My walk-in doctor treats me like a nervous first-dater, just firing away information. Still smoking? Getting any more sleep? Here are your results. Do you have someone you can call? How’s that for obvious, universally themed script? ‘Do you have someone you can call?’
No soundtrack though.
Francis?
I’m talking to my unconscious lover. I’m writing stolen metaphors on receipts. My body has declared war upon itself.
And I’m not the least bit tired.
Joy gets out of bed, starts tidying
Did you know that in times of extreme stress, such as prisoners so war, what humans do is inevetitably fall asleep?
That’s our advanced coping skills, we sleep through the stressful situations.
That’s a natural way of coping.
Joy looks at Francis, Francis keeps sleeping.
I thought it was interesting too.
No, no, don’t interrupt!
Do you have someone you can call? My first dater walk-in doctor asked.
do you have someone to call?
Joy begins to weep.
From "If"
MAN, DRAMATIC
AGE 30-60
ED
Oh I’ll tell you. Let me tell tell you what I think. I think you think you have a monopoly on grief. I think you think I have somehow escaped despair. I think you think it's easy for me to go to work buy milk all the things you find yourself incapable of doing. I think I can do these things only so that I will not think thoughts such as: I have lost my daughter. Now I have lost my unborn child. And I seem to have lost the woman I love. And I think I need something. Something so that I can continue to believe people are good. Something that will allow me to endure. Something that will make me believe that all has, in fact, not been lost.
That, that is what I think.
Jess stands perfectly still. Jess and Ed stare at each other.
Jess goes to Brianna's bed. Jess rips the blankets off the bed. Jess holds the blankets out for Ed to take. Ed takes the blankets and tenderly folds them. Ed fetches a cardboard box, and together they pack up all traces of Brianna.
FROM "SHORTNESS OF BREATH"
2 MEN, ANY AGE OR RACE
Another flash of light. Tyrell is shaking Norman.
Tyrell: Norman?
Norman: I'm here, I'm right here. Same place, sammmme.
Tyrell: Poor thing, you're having a rough time of being awake, aren't you?
Norman: Am I awake? Nnnow, am I awake?
Tyrell: I'm sorry you couldn't wake to a better world.
Norman: No one stays still.
Tyrell: Goodness we're impatient. I thought you'd be the calm cool collected type. There I go, jumping to conclusions again!
Norman: You'rrre nnnot jumping.
Tyrell : You do have a sense of humour! Oh lovely! Now look what I brought!
Tyrell holds out a pair of slippers for Norman. Norman can’t remember what they are.
Norman: (Taps him head) No name
Tyrell: Slippers! Protect these lily white feet of yours.
Norman: I doo this…(Norman mimes putting on boots)
Tyrell: Shoes! You remember putting on shoes!
Norman: I do this….(Norman mimes putting on boots)
Tyrell: Boots?
Norman: For…wwwork…I work!
Tyrell: Work boots, eh?
Norman: Worrrk booots…
Tyrell: Well any work you want to do around here, you can do in slippers.
Norman: I have memory of work boots!
Tyrell: Yum, the rugged type.
FROM "A GAME OF CHANCE"
WOMAN
COMEDIC
ANY AGE
Wicked Witch: Good evening. We’re going to skip all that Once Upon a Time business, because chances are, you’re all familiar with that part of the story. So tonight, we’re going to skip forwards. We’re going to take you beyond the end, past the finish, and after the ending. Starting our story after the curtain has closed and the book is finished. Our story begins one moment after the end. I’m talking about that end we’ve all come to loathe and dread, that syrupy sweet ending where everyone lives happily ever after.
Wicked Witch: Here they are, our eternally happy bound couple. Ugh, I’m feeling green with nausea already.
Wicked Witch: It’s a hoax, this love business!
Wicked Witch: And this is where the story usually ends. But tonight, we’re going beyond this happily ever after moment. Are you ready? This is your chance, Married Couples, to smile smugly at each other with that “Sure it’s been rocky but we’re still together” look. Divorcees, this is your chance to roll your eyes with that “I can see where this is heading a mile off” expression, and Singles this is you chance to shift nervously in your seat with that “It can’t be that bad, really” look in your eyes. Let’s take a look at Mr. and Mrs. Chance and see what happens to their story after the ‘happily ever after moment’
WOMAN, DRAMATIC
AGE 20-50
Francis sleeps. Joy sits down, fatigued
You win. I’m going to sleep now. I’m closing my eyes and joining you.
Joy climbs into bed next to Francis, tries to sleep. Joy cannot sleep
Francis?
I went to the walk-in today. After my run in with the metaphor. I know, don’t tell me, don’t you interrupt again!
I know you think I should get a real doctor, as if the doctors in the walk-in are two dimensional photocopies of the ‘real’ thing.
But I like walk-in doctors. They treat you like a first date both of you know isn’t going to go anywhere, so you get everything out as quickly as possible. My walk-in doctor treats me like a nervous first-dater, just firing away information. Still smoking? Getting any more sleep? Here are your results. Do you have someone you can call? How’s that for obvious, universally themed script? ‘Do you have someone you can call?’
No soundtrack though.
Francis?
I’m talking to my unconscious lover. I’m writing stolen metaphors on receipts. My body has declared war upon itself.
And I’m not the least bit tired.
Joy gets out of bed, starts tidying
Did you know that in times of extreme stress, such as prisoners so war, what humans do is inevetitably fall asleep?
That’s our advanced coping skills, we sleep through the stressful situations.
That’s a natural way of coping.
Joy looks at Francis, Francis keeps sleeping.
I thought it was interesting too.
No, no, don’t interrupt!
Do you have someone you can call? My first dater walk-in doctor asked.
do you have someone to call?
Joy begins to weep.
From "If"
MAN, DRAMATIC
AGE 30-60
ED
Oh I’ll tell you. Let me tell tell you what I think. I think you think you have a monopoly on grief. I think you think I have somehow escaped despair. I think you think it's easy for me to go to work buy milk all the things you find yourself incapable of doing. I think I can do these things only so that I will not think thoughts such as: I have lost my daughter. Now I have lost my unborn child. And I seem to have lost the woman I love. And I think I need something. Something so that I can continue to believe people are good. Something that will allow me to endure. Something that will make me believe that all has, in fact, not been lost.
That, that is what I think.
Jess stands perfectly still. Jess and Ed stare at each other.
Jess goes to Brianna's bed. Jess rips the blankets off the bed. Jess holds the blankets out for Ed to take. Ed takes the blankets and tenderly folds them. Ed fetches a cardboard box, and together they pack up all traces of Brianna.
FROM "SHORTNESS OF BREATH"
2 MEN, ANY AGE OR RACE
Another flash of light. Tyrell is shaking Norman.
Tyrell: Norman?
Norman: I'm here, I'm right here. Same place, sammmme.
Tyrell: Poor thing, you're having a rough time of being awake, aren't you?
Norman: Am I awake? Nnnow, am I awake?
Tyrell: I'm sorry you couldn't wake to a better world.
Norman: No one stays still.
Tyrell: Goodness we're impatient. I thought you'd be the calm cool collected type. There I go, jumping to conclusions again!
Norman: You'rrre nnnot jumping.
Tyrell : You do have a sense of humour! Oh lovely! Now look what I brought!
Tyrell holds out a pair of slippers for Norman. Norman can’t remember what they are.
Norman: (Taps him head) No name
Tyrell: Slippers! Protect these lily white feet of yours.
Norman: I doo this…(Norman mimes putting on boots)
Tyrell: Shoes! You remember putting on shoes!
Norman: I do this….(Norman mimes putting on boots)
Tyrell: Boots?
Norman: For…wwwork…I work!
Tyrell: Work boots, eh?
Norman: Worrrk booots…
Tyrell: Well any work you want to do around here, you can do in slippers.
Norman: I have memory of work boots!
Tyrell: Yum, the rugged type.
FROM "A GAME OF CHANCE"
WOMAN
COMEDIC
ANY AGE
Wicked Witch: Good evening. We’re going to skip all that Once Upon a Time business, because chances are, you’re all familiar with that part of the story. So tonight, we’re going to skip forwards. We’re going to take you beyond the end, past the finish, and after the ending. Starting our story after the curtain has closed and the book is finished. Our story begins one moment after the end. I’m talking about that end we’ve all come to loathe and dread, that syrupy sweet ending where everyone lives happily ever after.
Wicked Witch: Here they are, our eternally happy bound couple. Ugh, I’m feeling green with nausea already.
Wicked Witch: It’s a hoax, this love business!
Wicked Witch: And this is where the story usually ends. But tonight, we’re going beyond this happily ever after moment. Are you ready? This is your chance, Married Couples, to smile smugly at each other with that “Sure it’s been rocky but we’re still together” look. Divorcees, this is your chance to roll your eyes with that “I can see where this is heading a mile off” expression, and Singles this is you chance to shift nervously in your seat with that “It can’t be that bad, really” look in your eyes. Let’s take a look at Mr. and Mrs. Chance and see what happens to their story after the ‘happily ever after moment’
From "Explorers"
Woman, COMEDIC
Age 20-35
KATHY, an attractive thirty-something blonde, lowers her magazine for just a moment. She lunges for her decaf and resumes. She completes the final question with a confident checkmark.
KATHY
Hello, I'm Kathy Wallace, nee Anderson. Telephone polls adore me, magazine surveys love me: my sheer normalcy balances out all those who have interesting lives. I am 29 years old, I had three lovers before I was married in a tasteful non religious wedding. I am an administration assistant, well secretary, but we don't use THAT word anymore, do we? I am happily married to a charming up and coming lawyer, we are saving our money in this dinky apartment to buy a house, just far enough out of the city so he can commute and I can have summer barbecues. I am a decent person; I don't smoke, I call all my girlfriends back…I indulge in only the occasional glass of zinfandel, I highlight my hair four times a year, give charitable donations on every major holiday...
Kathy throws the Lifestyle magazine across the room.
...so where the hell is my husband at 4 am? Why doesn't he want to come home to me? My life is PERFECT! Perfect! So perfect the thought of moving to the country makes me wanna PUKE I HATE MALLS! I HATE DOGS AND BARBECUES… And decaf is totally disgusting, whoever invented it outta be shot.
Kathy spits the remainder into her cup, and throws down the magazine.
Woman, COMEDIC
Age 20-35
KATHY, an attractive thirty-something blonde, lowers her magazine for just a moment. She lunges for her decaf and resumes. She completes the final question with a confident checkmark.
KATHY
Hello, I'm Kathy Wallace, nee Anderson. Telephone polls adore me, magazine surveys love me: my sheer normalcy balances out all those who have interesting lives. I am 29 years old, I had three lovers before I was married in a tasteful non religious wedding. I am an administration assistant, well secretary, but we don't use THAT word anymore, do we? I am happily married to a charming up and coming lawyer, we are saving our money in this dinky apartment to buy a house, just far enough out of the city so he can commute and I can have summer barbecues. I am a decent person; I don't smoke, I call all my girlfriends back…I indulge in only the occasional glass of zinfandel, I highlight my hair four times a year, give charitable donations on every major holiday...
Kathy throws the Lifestyle magazine across the room.
...so where the hell is my husband at 4 am? Why doesn't he want to come home to me? My life is PERFECT! Perfect! So perfect the thought of moving to the country makes me wanna PUKE I HATE MALLS! I HATE DOGS AND BARBECUES… And decaf is totally disgusting, whoever invented it outta be shot.
Kathy spits the remainder into her cup, and throws down the magazine.
From "This Could Be You"
WOMAN, DRAMATIC
AGE 20-60
PATIENT describes how she first discovered something was wrong with her.
PATIENT: I was coming home one night, perhaps after my bout with walking pneumonia where I self prescribed cheap red wine and tall guys attracted to the feverish glow in my cheeks. You always look beautiful right before death, didn't Camille say that? Great movie huh? One of the classics. Anyhow, it could have been one of those nights, but don't hold me to my word. Could have been that party I went to and realized between myself and my best friend we had slept with 14 men there, overlaps not included.
Where was I, coming home, yes, I'm in the taxi. I'm furious because the driver didn't listen to me, and dropped me off at the wrong street. What am I paying him for...the scenic 3 am tour? These cab drivers never listen, even though it's not entirely his fault, the city planners shouldn't have given three streets in a half mile radius the same name, should they? Ending one in road, one in crescent, one in lane, what are the chances any of us would get our mail? Pretty slim, let me tell you.
ANYWAY, I'm screaming at this guy, raging, going ballistic at his incompetence. Finally I take a breath, I'm inventing new curse words, I look out, I'm on the right street. Here's my home, the key fits the door, yet I am not reassured. I turn on the stove, open the closet, look in the mirror. I live here. This is mine, this is mine, this too is mine, but I am not convinced.
So I make some coffee to relax myself, pour it into my favourite glass mug, now you're thinking, bright idea, coffee's a good sedative. But hey, if you drink 12 cups a day, one more cups not going to make a difference. So I'm having a calming cup of java and CRASH suddenly there's icebergs floating in an inky sea around my feet. This is okay, I need to cut back anyhow, I'm all right, there's nothing wrong. But my apartment has become a war zone. It's as if every atom within each object is moving faster than usual. These atoms are speeding up until they crash into each other, explode away from each other. As if sensing some internal earthquake mirrors throw themselves from the wall. Seven years bad luck, seven more years. My home is riddled with land mine and I don't know what will go next. I wish there was a chainsaw to cut myself out of here, wish I could turn back and take that road less travelled, wish I could say "I do" all over again. Instead there's minute pieces of glass embedded in my hands, in my feet, I can feel the pain but can't find the pieces.
WOMAN, DRAMATIC
AGE 20-60
PATIENT describes how she first discovered something was wrong with her.
PATIENT: I was coming home one night, perhaps after my bout with walking pneumonia where I self prescribed cheap red wine and tall guys attracted to the feverish glow in my cheeks. You always look beautiful right before death, didn't Camille say that? Great movie huh? One of the classics. Anyhow, it could have been one of those nights, but don't hold me to my word. Could have been that party I went to and realized between myself and my best friend we had slept with 14 men there, overlaps not included.
Where was I, coming home, yes, I'm in the taxi. I'm furious because the driver didn't listen to me, and dropped me off at the wrong street. What am I paying him for...the scenic 3 am tour? These cab drivers never listen, even though it's not entirely his fault, the city planners shouldn't have given three streets in a half mile radius the same name, should they? Ending one in road, one in crescent, one in lane, what are the chances any of us would get our mail? Pretty slim, let me tell you.
ANYWAY, I'm screaming at this guy, raging, going ballistic at his incompetence. Finally I take a breath, I'm inventing new curse words, I look out, I'm on the right street. Here's my home, the key fits the door, yet I am not reassured. I turn on the stove, open the closet, look in the mirror. I live here. This is mine, this is mine, this too is mine, but I am not convinced.
So I make some coffee to relax myself, pour it into my favourite glass mug, now you're thinking, bright idea, coffee's a good sedative. But hey, if you drink 12 cups a day, one more cups not going to make a difference. So I'm having a calming cup of java and CRASH suddenly there's icebergs floating in an inky sea around my feet. This is okay, I need to cut back anyhow, I'm all right, there's nothing wrong. But my apartment has become a war zone. It's as if every atom within each object is moving faster than usual. These atoms are speeding up until they crash into each other, explode away from each other. As if sensing some internal earthquake mirrors throw themselves from the wall. Seven years bad luck, seven more years. My home is riddled with land mine and I don't know what will go next. I wish there was a chainsaw to cut myself out of here, wish I could turn back and take that road less travelled, wish I could say "I do" all over again. Instead there's minute pieces of glass embedded in my hands, in my feet, I can feel the pain but can't find the pieces.
From "Happy"
MAN, DRAMATIC
AGE 20-40
HAPPY;
I sound like I'm selling myself to you. I'm not. I'm not going to tell you “I like long walks on the beach” nor do I know of any guy who when you ask them 'What do you want to do?"
They say "let's take a long walk on the beach"
It wouldn't occur to me to say that
I'd more likely say…
Let’s stay still until we can see the dust dancing in the air
Yeah, dust. Dust that you wipe off your computer. And then you realize you've touched the screen with your bare hands you're not supposed to do that now the screen is getting ruined by the oils of your body and even worse you’ve wiped some of your chromosomal matter away, you can’t afford to lose any, and there it is sitting on your monitor looking right back at you.
And if you sit still long enough, it will dry up and turn into dust. Dust that was just you. And then that dust will fall off the screen but before it falls into obscurity forever, that speck of dust gets caught in an undetectable draft and for a moment that speck of dust dances in the air.
It’s not easy to see it
You kinda have to squint
But when you can finally see the air, nothing but air, the speck of dust in the undetectable draft will dance for you. And every speck of dust is from someone who’s touched something.
Don't be sad. Because it's beautiful. It's the most beautiful thing you'll ever see
Because centuries or millenniums from now when you’re nothing but dust dancing in the air being spied by a person, you will be happy. Happy to dance in the air, Happy to have light glint off of you, Happy to have been part of a chromosome containing all the information of a human and all the generations before that. You will have had every possible human experience and you will be happy.
Well you might not know this, being a speck of dust. But you know now that will happen, so you can be happy now, knowing that's how happy you could be.
Can you see it?
Can you see the air?
Aren't you happy now?
That’s what I’d say if a girl-woman asked me “what do you want to do”. That's a more realistic answer than “taking a walk in the beach”. I'd date a girl-woman if she wanted to look at the air. I'd call her up and say all the words she ever wanted to hear, and in the right order. And she'd be worried too about the Y chromosome decaying And she’d pick up the phone no matter how late it was, and she’d say…
I'm not sure what a woman would say in those circumstances…the circumstances of being in love with me.
You can imagine the words
Think of something.
(To self) Think of something.
Got something?
( )
That's what she'd say!
It even works if you thought “I can’t think of anything”
or thought “I have to take a leak”. Because all words are beautiful when it’s coming from someone who loves you and you’re both waiting to see the dust dancing in the air.
MAN, DRAMATIC
AGE 20-40
HAPPY;
I sound like I'm selling myself to you. I'm not. I'm not going to tell you “I like long walks on the beach” nor do I know of any guy who when you ask them 'What do you want to do?"
They say "let's take a long walk on the beach"
It wouldn't occur to me to say that
I'd more likely say…
Let’s stay still until we can see the dust dancing in the air
Yeah, dust. Dust that you wipe off your computer. And then you realize you've touched the screen with your bare hands you're not supposed to do that now the screen is getting ruined by the oils of your body and even worse you’ve wiped some of your chromosomal matter away, you can’t afford to lose any, and there it is sitting on your monitor looking right back at you.
And if you sit still long enough, it will dry up and turn into dust. Dust that was just you. And then that dust will fall off the screen but before it falls into obscurity forever, that speck of dust gets caught in an undetectable draft and for a moment that speck of dust dances in the air.
It’s not easy to see it
You kinda have to squint
But when you can finally see the air, nothing but air, the speck of dust in the undetectable draft will dance for you. And every speck of dust is from someone who’s touched something.
Don't be sad. Because it's beautiful. It's the most beautiful thing you'll ever see
Because centuries or millenniums from now when you’re nothing but dust dancing in the air being spied by a person, you will be happy. Happy to dance in the air, Happy to have light glint off of you, Happy to have been part of a chromosome containing all the information of a human and all the generations before that. You will have had every possible human experience and you will be happy.
Well you might not know this, being a speck of dust. But you know now that will happen, so you can be happy now, knowing that's how happy you could be.
Can you see it?
Can you see the air?
Aren't you happy now?
That’s what I’d say if a girl-woman asked me “what do you want to do”. That's a more realistic answer than “taking a walk in the beach”. I'd date a girl-woman if she wanted to look at the air. I'd call her up and say all the words she ever wanted to hear, and in the right order. And she'd be worried too about the Y chromosome decaying And she’d pick up the phone no matter how late it was, and she’d say…
I'm not sure what a woman would say in those circumstances…the circumstances of being in love with me.
You can imagine the words
Think of something.
(To self) Think of something.
Got something?
( )
That's what she'd say!
It even works if you thought “I can’t think of anything”
or thought “I have to take a leak”. Because all words are beautiful when it’s coming from someone who loves you and you’re both waiting to see the dust dancing in the air.