The Ropes
September 14th, 2020
Starring: Teacher (older) & Student (younger)
A dartboard hangs on the wall. One dart is on the ground, another is hanging out of the wall, below the board. The third is in Student‘s hand, getting a coaching session from Teacher.
TEACHER
You released too low. See how your hand finished way down here?
STUDENT
Uh huh
TEACHER
And if you want to hit it, you have to sling it. You don’t want to wimpy throw it because it’ll drop before it reaches the wall.
…
What’s with the hard look?
STUDENT
I’m concentrating
TEACHER
It’s the way I’m showing you?
STUDENT
I’m fine with the way you’re showing me.
TEACHER
Really?
STUDENT
Really.
TEACHER
Ok, well lighten up a little, it’ll help. If you want to do it right, you’re bound to make some holes in the wall first.
STUDENT
But then you get mad when there are holes in the wall.
TEACHER
Yeah, I might. Who in their right mind wants holes in the wall?
But you’re not dead to me if you happen to make some.
STUDENT
That’s reassuring.
TEACHER
This is my method. Take it or leave it.
They stare at the other. Student is simmering, trying to hide it.
TEACHER
Ok clearly you’re feeling some type of way. Maybe it’s about me. Maybe it’s about your own stuff. Maybe it’s your own stuff mixed with me. I don’t really know, and frankly, I’d rather not spend time guessing.
STUDENT
I don’t know either.
TEACHER
I don’t know either.
All I know is that this was supposed to be fun, and this doesn’t feel fun.
STUDENT
Sorry.
TEACHER
I’m sorry too.
It’s not that big a deal, we should just pick it up later. Whenever you’re in a better frame of mind.
STUDENT
Ok. Let’s do that.
...
TEACHER
Maybe imagine my face is up there or something.
STUDENT
What?
TEACHER
Imagine my face is on the board. That might help.
…
Come on, it’s a joke. We can joke.
STUDENT
I know we can joke.
TEACHER
Good. We’re joking.
Come find me later, we’ll try again.
STUDENT
Alright
Teacher leaves. Student stares at the board for a moment or three, visualizing Teacher. Student slings the third dart at the board. It’s not a bullseye, but it hits, more on target than ever before. Glee, followed by despair.