#playscene

The scene takes place in a small room with an armchair next to a fireplace that is lit, and this is the only source of light. There are a few pillows on the floor, to the right of the armchair, where Charlotte is playing with a doll. Mary is sitting down in the armchair, staring at the fireplace.

MARY: Come here, child.

CHARLOTTE: (Hugs her) Why does…. he have to leave us?

MARY: (Hugs her back) Well, you see… (picks up a flower from base) We are like flowers.

CHARLOTTE: H-how?

MARY: They are born and grow to be beautiful… but they don’t last for long and wither away. We grow up to be extraordinary, becoming a new person with a unique self but unfortunately… we also must leave this world of problems behind at some point and leave it to the hands of our children. I too will have to leave this world someday, but I’m sure you will meet someone who will love you more than I do.

CHARLOTTE: (Hugs tighter) Don’t leave me!

MARY. Oh, child, precious one. I’m not going to leave you now. Let’s live our days one by one…. Shall we?

CHARLOTTE: I love you, Ms. Mary. Mom didn’t love me…. but you are like a mom to me (smiles).

MARY. (sounding somewhat irritated) Don’t speak of your mother.

CHARLOTTE: Sorry…. (there is a small pause) Do you think that I…. will maybe ever leave this place?

MARY: Why do you want that child?

CHARLOTTE: I want to walk with you again…. outside…. Feel the snow….

MARY: Stop dreaming, child. Charlotte, it’s not safe out there.

CHARLOTTE: Oh…. ok. Anything you say.

MARY: Good child……….. good child.

CHARLOTTE: What now Ms. Mary?

MARY: (Stares at Charlotte’s eyes) How about you start calling me mom? It’s just…. You see, child…. I am a very lonely old woman (sighs).

CHARLOTTE: Anything you say…. mom (puts her head on Mary’s chest) I love you.

MARY. Good child…….. Good child…. I love you too (another pause).

CHARLOTTE: (Remembers something) Can I see sister Elizabeth?

MARY: I’m sorry, child. She also withered away…. but... she is in a better place now (smiles).

CHARLOTTE. Can I see brother Andrew? Sister Rose? Melanny?

MARY: (Closes eyes, and sighs) Be a good child and meet none. They are all in a better place now.

CHARLOTTE: Anything you say, mother. (Cheerfully with a hint of sadness) I hope I will meet them again someday….

MARY: (No emotion) You will, child. You will… (bites lower lip).

CHARLOTTE: (Smiles) Thank you, mother. You are very kind.

MARY. (whispering) You are a very fragile flower after all...

CHARLOTTE: Did you say something mom?

MARY. (With a caring smile) Nothing at all child (a brief pause)

CHARLOTTE: Hey mom…

MARY: Yes?

CHARLOTTE: (Frowns) Why did you keep someone like me?

MARY. (Surprised) Why would you say that?

CHARLOTTE: I just……… I love you very much. I do. I was left…. alone to die…. But you rescued me.

MARY: I couldn’t let you wither away that quickly. You had to live.

CHARLOTTE: (With relief) Thank you, mother. I will be a good girl always.

MARY: Of course. Now child… you must sleep.

CHARLOTTE: (Emotionless) Anything you say, mother.

MARY: Good child. Good one indeed…