Break-fast
May 14th, 2020
Starring: Sully (male, could be 13 or 35), Ma-ma, (female, 50-70)
A stately looking kitchen. Early morning, dark. The sound of nuts being crunched. A single light flicks on, revealing Sully. He’s wearing a jockey outfit that’s too large on him. Mama jumps out from the darkness in a bathrobe, wielding a finger gun.
MA-MA
Ahhhh!
Sully isn’t startled.
MA-MA
Oh.
I thought you were a burglar.
SULLY
Don’t be silly, ma-ma. I couldn’t burgle if I tried.
MA-MA
You’re burgling those cashews from my cupboard.
SULLY
Our cupboard, ma-ma. I live here too.
MA-MA
In this home, we ask for permission.
SULLY
But ma-ma, I’m famished. I had no sweets last night.
MA-MA
That was by design, darling.
Sully sticks his tongue out, turning away so she won’t see.
MA-MA
Put that away, pumpkin. I didn’t raise you to be a heathen.
Sully puts his tongue away.
Why are you awake?
…
SULLY
I’ve decided I’d like to learn polo.
MA-MA
No.
SULLY
Yes. Pa-pa said polo would suit me well.
MA-MA
You’re not allowed.
SULLY
Oh, contraire. I’m off to the stables.
MA-MA
You’re forbidden!
SULLY
This won’t be like golf or gymnastics or croquet or shuttlecock.
I’m very committed this time, ma-ma, I really am.
MA-MA
They’re distractions. All of them.
SULLY
But pa-pa said—
MA-MA
To sit and read the paper.
SULLY
I was never a very good reader, ma-ma.
MA-MA
I’m afraid things are changing. You’ve got to be a responsible fellow now.
SULLY
But I don’t want to be responsible—
MA-MA
Nor do I. But nobody gets a choice anymore.
SULLY
Not even aspiring poloists?
MA-MA
Especially aspiring poloists.
Ma-ma pulls out a fresh newspaper from her robe, which she unrolls across the table.
She sits, and beckons Sully over.
Come, come. It won’t bite.
We’ll read it together.
Sully slowly walks to Ma-ma, and sits.
Let’s start…
She takes his hand and points his finger to the top of the paper.
Here. With the headline.
Ready?
Sully nods. They read the headline together, slowly, as she guides his hand from word to word.