Tradition
August 31st, 2020
Starring: Sister 1 & 2 (female, both early 20’s)
A big sorority house, night. A single bedroom, completely dark. Sister 2 is in bed, awake, looking up at the ceiling.
A light knock at the door. It opens, streaming in some light, causing Sister 2 to shield her eyes. Sister 1 closes the door, and it’s dark again.
SISTER 1
Hey it’s me
Just checking in
How are you feeling?
SISTER 2
…
Oh you know
Fine
I mean every time I move my head it feels like the world’s caving in
But other than that I’m fine
SISTER 1
That’s good.
I mean in perspective it’s good.
I asked chef Jesse to make some soup for you. Do you want some soup?
SISTER 2
You would spoonfeed me in the dark?
SISTER 1
I can.
If you feel like that’s what you need.
SISTER 2
Thankfully the thought of food makes me puke so I’ll save you the trouble.
SISTER 1
Ok.
Well I just wanted to check in.
I know the doctor said talking doesn’t help.
SISTER 2
But here we are.
…
SISTER 1
I know I said I was sorry a lot before.
And I am. Even though I wasn’t there, it’s really my fault.
SISTER 2
Yeah.
SISTER 1
...Yeah?
SISTER 2
I agree. It was your fault. I blame you.
SISTER 1
You do.
SISTER 2
The whole thing’s on you.
SISTER 1
Yes. I know that.
But
I also
I also wasn’t the one who actually did it
SISTER 2
Ok well now I’m confused if you think it’s your fault or not
But maybe I’m confused because my brain’s partially incapacitated
But in my mind it’s on you
You let it happen
SISTER 1
I know.
But
The pillow fight’s a tradition.
SISTER 2
But nobody was swinging weighted Tempur-Pedics last year were they
SISTER 1
I’m sorry.
I really am.
I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry.
I...I just don’t know what else I can do.
SISTER 2
Nothing
I guess you’ll have to deal with the consequences by sitting in them for weeks
No wait
That’s me
…
SISTER 1
Ok. Well I’ll leave you be.
I don’t think I’m helping very much.
But I’ll get someone to come by later.
If you want soup.
SISTER 2
Thanks for stopping by, prez
You’re a real gem
SISTER 1
Thanks.
Goodnight.
Sister 1 leaves. A few moments pass.
SISTER 2
Soup.
...
Soup.
Sister 2 starts laughing. An emotional release, but it hurts.
SISTER 2
Ow.