By
Enrique R. Carrasco
© Enrique R. Carrasco 2025
SYNOPSIS
The play interrogates the meaning of a patriot in an authoritarian regime. Set in the near future, Juan Hernandez and Fabienne Baptiste are imprisoned in a detention facility for threatening the nation’s purity. Mike is a facility guard who oversees them. Considered a patriot, Mike over a period of years realizes the horror of his job. As a way to survive, Juan and Fabienne exchange rich memories of their lives. When told by the facility director, Childers, to begin exterminating the detainees, beginning with Juan and Fabienne, Mike helps Juan escape, Fabienne having died just beforehand. Juan promises to find Mike’s teenage son, Daren, and to take him to safety while Mike stays at the facility to find Childers. A year later, Vivian, a girl Juan befriended in high school, finds Daren in an alley. Juan, who was called to a front to fight in the resistance, gave her a letter Mike had written to Daren. In it, Mike tells his son that the detainees are true patriots. After telling Daren that his father couldn’t be found, Vivian pledges that in memory of Fabienne she and Juan will fight in the resistance until all of detention facilities are shut down.
Playwright’s Note
THE CHARACTERS
JUAN HERNANDEZ, Mexican-American in his 30s
FABIENNE BAPTISTE, Haitian-American woman in her 30s
MIKE JOHNSON, White in his 40s
DAREN, MIKE’s son in his early teens
VIVIAN MOORE, White in her 30s
CHILDERS, White in his 50s
Place
A city with a prison called “the facility”
Time
The near future
Setting: On stage right there are two cells divided by a wall. On stage left, a space that will be used interchangeably as MIKE’s apartment dining room, a prison room, a park, and an alley. Downstage is a space that acts as a walkway running in front of the cells where MIKE will pace and interact with JUAN and FABIENNE.
The props and costume designs are as follows: A mat in each cell; two buckets; tin plates with brownish matter; tin cups; and a rendering of some sort of a wall partitioning the cells. There’s a small table and two chairs in MIKE’S dining room (plates, tableware, bowl, mixing bowl, hand towel) and in the prison room. There’s a bench in the park; a trash can in the alley. JUAN and FABIENNE wear nondescript long sleeve shirts and pants. In the prison, MIKE wears beige pants, shirt, and tie; he carries a gun. DAREN wears simple youth clothing, which becomes soiled in the alley. CHILDERS, who brings a black baton into the prison room, wears a black suit, white shirt, and black tie.
This is the introduction to the play. The characters stand center stage.
JUAN
Throughout history there’s been darkness and light.
FABIENNE
The darkness of ruthless power.
FABIENNE
The power of fascists.
JUAN
The power of authoritarians.
JUAN
Power fueled by hate.
FABIENNE
Power fueled by resentment.
JUAN
Of the Other.
FABIENNE
Power that leads to massive detentions.
JUAN
Massive torture.
FABIENNE
To the disappearance of parents, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends.
JUAN
Never seen again. Los desaparecidos.
VIVIAN
But where there’s darkness, there’s also light.
JUAN
Fueled by love.
VIVIAN
Fueled by hope.
JUAN
Of hundreds.
FABIENNE
Of thousands.
MIKE
Of even one. Of even me.
JUAN
Of even you.
MIKE
This is my story.
JUAN, FABIENNE, MIKE & VIVIAN
This is our story.
JUAN
A universal story.
MIKE
A story set in any time, any place.
FABIENNE
Where we’ve taken things for granted.
VIVIAN
Where we’ve looked the other way.
FABIENNE
At our own peril.
SCENE ONE
FABIENNE is lying face up on her mat, hands behind her head. JUAN is sitting alongside the wall.
JUAN
You there?
FABIENNE
Where else would I be?
JUAN
Just checking.
FABIENNE
Why?
JUAN
Habit, I guess.
FABIENNE
Well, break it. Please.
JUAN
It’s not that easy.
FABIENNE
Try. You’ll be a better person for it.
(pause)
JUAN
How long has it been?
FABIENNE
Why do you keep asking me that?
JUAN
It’s an obvious question, don’t you think?
FABIENNE
Here’s an idea.
JUAN
What?
FABIENNE
Stop thinking.
JUAN
Why would I do that?
FABIENNE
To stop torturing yourself. To stop torturing me.
JUAN
I don’t think it’s torture, you know, to ask. Seems like a natural question, especially here. I mean it would be weird to ask, like, would you like cream with your coffee? Or, what’s the color of your wallpaper?
FABIENNE
You’re weird.
JUAN
Rude.
(pause)
But, really, how long, do you think?
FABIENNE
I’m not sure. I’ve stopped counting.
JUAN
A year?
FABIENNE
Maybe.
JUAN
Longer than that. I think.
FABIENNE
I said stop thinking.
JUAN
I can’t.
(long pause)
FABIENNE
However long it’s been, time can be a weapon.
JUAN
Weapon?
FABIENNE
I’ve never thought about it that way, but now I have.
JUAN
(overly eager to start a conversation)
Go on.
FABIENNE
There are so many ways—
JUAN
Yeah.
FABIENNE
So many—
JUAN
Tell me.
FABIENNE
Ways—
JUAN
Uh-huh.
FABIENNE
Will you let me finish?
JUAN
Of course.
FABIENNE
You always do that.
JUAN
Do what?
FABIENNE
Interrupt me.
JUAN
Sorry. You were saying?
FABIENNE
Time.
JUAN
I’m listening.
FABIENNE
We use it in so many ways in our lives. What time is it?
JUAN
I don’t know.
FABIENNE
For Christ’s sake, Juan, I mean that’s one example.
JUAN
Ah. Okay. Well, we can have the time of our lives. Happy times. Beautiful memories.
FABIENNE
Those will disappear.
JUAN
Why?
FABIENNE
JUAN
We can’t let that happen, Fabienne. That’s all we have now, our memories. They keep us alive.
FABIENNE
They won’t. They’re just memories.
JUAN
You’re wrong. Memories tell us we’re human, you know? Like…seeing our reflection in a mirror. We know we exist. We won’t disappear.
FABIENNE
You’re in denial.
JUAN
No, I’m not.
FABIENNE
Yes, you are, Juan. You’ve been in denial with every miserable moment.
(pause)
JUAN
Can I ask you something?
FABIENNE
Please don’t.
JUAN
It’s actually a request.
(pause)
Well, can I?
FABIENNE
Fuck. Fine.
JUAN
Can you share with me a happy memory?
(pause)
Fabienne?
(long pause)
Are you going to talk to me?
FABIENNE
I’m tired.
JUAN
Really?
FABIENNE
I’m done for the day.
JUAN
Wait, no!
FABIENNE
Leave me alone.
JUAN
We’re not finished.
FABIENNE
Yes, we are.
JUAN
Give me a memory! You were happy once! Tell me!
FABIENNE
Shut up, Juan!
(MIKE enters the walkway and speaks with forced authority.)
MIKE
Hey!
FABIENNE
(whispers)
Fuck.
MIKE
The two of you, shut up!
JUAN
Yes, sir.
MIKE
You know the rules.
JUAN
Of course.
MIKE
Then why are you talking?
FABIENNE
To pass the time.
MIKE
You’re a real smartass.
JUAN
She didn’t mean it. Did you, Fabienne.
MIKE
No names. You know why?
FABIENNE
Just tell us again and get it over with.
MIKE
You’re not worthy of names. You’re scum.
FABIENNE
Fine, boss.
MIKE
That’s right. I am the boss. I run the show. Say it.
(pause)
Say it!
JUAN
You run the show.
MIKE
What?
JUAN
You run the show, sir.
MIKE
That’s right. You don’t follow the rules, you don’t eat.
FABIENNE
I’m fasting.
JUAN
Fab—
(pause)
It won’t happen again, sir.
MIKE
Then why do it?
FABIENNE
Habit, sir.
MIKE
Then break it.
FABIENNE
(under her breath)
That sounds familiar.
MIKE
What?
JUAN
We’ll try, sir.
MIKE
Try harder.
JUAN
We will, sir.
MIKE
Good.
(MIKE stands still to see if they talk. They don’t. He anxiously runs his hands through his hair. He pats his shirt down, straightens his tie and walks out. FABIENNE gives MIKE the finger.)
JUAN
I think he’s gone.
FABIENNE
He’s a genuine asshole.
JUAN
Why do you keep provoking him?
FABIENNE
It’s great entertainment.
JUAN
You keep doing this and bad things will happen.
FABIENNE
Like what?
JUAN
You are a smartass.
FABIENNE
What does it matter.
JUAN
I want to live, Fabienne. That’s what matters. I’ll tell him what he wants to hear if it will buy us time.
FABIENNE
You’re in denial. You always have been, Juan.
Lights down.
MIKE is seated in the facility room. JUAN and FABIENNE are lying on their mats in darkened cells.
Lights up.
(CHILDERS enters holding a bag. MIKE stands up.)
CHILDERS
Mr. Johnson.
MIKE
Good afternoon, sir!
CHILDERS
Do you go by Michael or Mike?
MIKE
Mike is fine. But if you prefer Michael—
CHILDERS
Have a seat, Mike.
(MIKE sits down quickly.)
CHILDERS
Do you know who I am?
MIKE
Mr. Childers. The new director.
(CHILDERS looks sharply at MIKE.)
MIKE
Sir!
CHILDERS
According to your file, you’ve been here for about a year, correct?
MIKE
Yes, sir.
CHILDERS
How do you like your work?
MIKE
It’s…its’s very nice here. Sir.
CHILDERS
Very nice? Very nice is for children. Mike. Are you a child?
MIKE
No, sir!
CHILDERS
Of course not. You’re a patriot! Do you know what that means?
MIKE
Yes, sir! We are the guardians of our nation, sir!
CHILDERS
Yes, Mike! We are the guardians! And as guardians we are the last line of defense against them. The vermin that threaten the purity of our great nation. It’s a glorious calling, wouldn’t you agree?
MIKE
Absolutely, sir!
CHILDERS
Relax, Mike.
MIKE
Yes, sir!
CHILDERS
Take it down a notch. Michael.
MIKE
Okay.
(MIKE relaxes a bit. CHILDERS looks sharply at MIKE and MIKE tenses up.)
MIKE
Sir!
CHILDERS
Just kidding. Relax.
(MIKE relaxes; CHILDERS sits, crosses his legs, pulls out a pack of cigarettes, and offers a cigarette to MIKE.)
MIKE
No, thanks.
(CHILDERS takes out a cigarette, pulls a lighter from his pocket, lights a cigarette, takes a long pull, and slowly exhales; this should take a good amount of time.)
CHILDERS
Mike, since I’ve just arrived, I’m taking the time to meet all of the staff, especially the guards such as yourself. Sort of a meet and greet, if you will. This is important. Do you know why?
MIKE
Well—
CHILDERS
Because I need to be assured that each and every one of you is committed to the purpose of these facilities throughout the country. Can I count on you, Mike?
MIKE
Yes.
(CHILDERS raises his voice with mounting fervor, prompting MIKE to do the same, although there’s a sense that he’s going along to avoid CHILDERS turning on him. CHILDERS stands up gradually, locking his eyes on MIKE.)
CHILDERS
Are you a believer, Mike?!
MIKE
Yes!
CHILDERS
Righteous!
MIKE
Yes!
CHILDERS
Committed to the cause!!
MIKE
Yes!
CHILDERS
Committed to purity!!!
MIKE
Yes!
CHILDERS
To the cleansing of our nation!!!!
MIKE
Yes!
CHILDERS
Are you a soldier, Mike?!!!!
MIKE
Yes!
CHILDERS
Are you fighting for Christ?!!!!
MIKE
Yes!
CHILDERS
(Raising both arms like a preacher.)
Hallelujah!!!!!!
MIKE
(Still seated, MIKE raises his arms uncomfortably.)
Hallelujah!
(CHILDERS sits down and calms himself.)
CHILDERS
That’s it Mike! That’s it! Ah, yes, we are the chosen, Mike. Are we not?
MIKE
Of…of course!
CHILDERS
Yes, yes…
CHILDERS (Cont.)
(He takes a long pull on his cigarette and blows out slowly.)
Now, Mike. Are you interested in rising through the ranks here?
MIKE
I’ve never really thought about it, but sure.
CHILDERS
Of course you would! A fine man such as yourself, as committed to the cause as you are. With promotions would come better pay. Let’s be honest, Mike. What you make now is, well, hardly generous, am I right?
MIKE
Well…
CHILDERS
You would like a raise, wouldn’t you?
MIKE
(earnestly)
I really would, sir.
CHILDERS
Maybe even take over my job!
MIKE
Sir?
CHILDERS
(Obviously and meanly toying with MIKE.)
Noooo, that would never happen.
MIKE
Oh.
CHILDERS
But, Mike, there is something you could do to almost guarantee a promotion with a hefty raise, maybe a bonus if you truly excel at it.
MIKE
What would that be, sir?
CHILDERS
I think it’s time to begin reminding the vermin that they’re just that. There’s chatter among the roaches that there might be hope for them, that maybe they’ll one day be free to join us in what is now our land. This is a horrendous development. Yes?
MIKE
(Slightly betraying a lack of conviction.)
Yes.
CHILDERS
Intolerable. Yes?
MIKE
Yes.
CHILDERS
It must be eradicated root and stem, don’t you agree?
MIKE
Absolutely.
CHILDERS
So here’s what I want you to do. Should you see any signs of hope, and I mean any signs, I want you to use this to beat it out of them.
(CHILDERS pulls out a black, steel baton from his bag and offers it to MIKE with both hands, as if making an offering. MIKE stares at it without taking it.)
CHILDERS
Go on, take it.
(MIKE takes the baton with both hands, lowers it and stares at it.)
MIKE
But, sir, we already have—
CHILDERS
They’re wood. Mike. Old school. This, on the other hand, is a Smith and Wesson steel baton. Isn’t it beautiful?
MIKE
(flatly)
Yes.
CHILDERS
Infinitely more painful than wood. Now, when you’re done with each roach, you’ll bring him or her to me for inspection. The more you bring, the greater your chances of promotion. And if you’re industrious, you may well get a Christmas bonus! What do you say to that, Mike?!
MIKE
That’s…very considerate of you, sir.
CHILDERS
I take care of my righteous soldiers, Mike!
MIKE
Thank you, sir.
CHILDERS
Maybe you can start with those two upstarts I’ve heard about, Juan Hernandez and Fabienne Baptiste. Do I have their names right?
MIKE
Yes, sir.
CHILDERS
Give them a good beating as you see fit. Think of it as breaking in your beautiful new baton. Understood?
MIKE
Understood, sir.
CHILDERS
Good. Oh, and, Mike, if you disappoint me…well, you wouldn’t want to lose your job, would you?
(MIKE stares at CHILDERS.)
MIKE
No, sir.
CHILDERS
Of course you don’t.
(CHILDERS stands up abruptly and raises one arm, making a fist.)
For country and glory!
(MIKE stands up abruptly and raises his arm similarly.)
MIKE
For country and glory!
(CHILDERS leaves pompously; MIKE watches CHILDERS as he walks out.)
Lights down.
SCENE THREE
Lights up.
JUAN and FABIENNE are in their cells. FABIENNE is pacing slowly back and forth, her arms crossed. JUAN is lying face up on his mat.
JUAN
How long has it been?
(pause)
Fabienne?
FABIENNE
What?
JUAN
How long has it been?
FABIENNE
What?
JUAN
How—
FABIENNE
What?
(pause)
JUAN
It’s a simple question.
FABIENNE
What?
(long pause)
JUAN
Do you want to hear a song?
(pause)
I’m going to sing it whether you like it or not.
FABIENNE
Please don’t.
JUAN
When you’re down and troubled
And you need some lovin’ care
And nothin’, nothin’ is goin’ right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night
You just call out my name
And you know, wherever I am
I’ll come runnin’
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there
You’ve got a friend
(Long pause as FABIENNE stops pacing and looks incredulously at the wall.)
FABIENNE
What the fuck!!
(JUAN sits up.)
JUAN
(Toying with FABIENNE.)
What. You don’t like it?
FABIENNE
Why the fuck are you singing such a white-ass song?
JUAN
White?
FABIENNE
Yes, white! As in white America! As in the white people who put us here! As in that white asshole guard!
(JUAN stands facing the wall.)
JUAN
So, wait, I’m a sell-out if I sing a James Taylor song, is that it?
FABIENNE
That’s it.
JUAN
I’m brown on the outside but white on the inside?
FABIENNE
Sure looks like it.
JUAN
I’m not representing?
FABIENNE
What do you think?
JUAN
Quieres que cante Bad Bunny, Daddy Yankee? Huh?
FABIENNE
I hate reggaeton.
JUAN
Yeah, hate. That’s all you know.
FABIENNE
It’s hate that put us here.
JUAN
And hate is going to get us out? How will hate change things? Tell me!
FABIENNE
How can you defend them? After what they’ve done to us?
JUAN
I’m not defending them!
FABIENNE
Then what do you call it?
JUAN
Not all of them are evil! Not all of them want us gone! Not all of them want us dead!
FABIENNE
Then where are they, our white friends? Or should we call them our saviors?
JUAN
Have you ever had white friends, Fabienne?
FABIENNE
Yes, I have, Juan.
JUAN
Can you share—
FABIENNE
No. Fuck memories.
JUAN
She was a friend of mine.
FABIENNE
I don’t want to hear it.
JUAN
Her name was Vivian Moore.
FABIENNE
I said—
JUAN
She was in my high school.
FABIENNE
Spare me the sweetheart memory, if that’s what it is.
JUAN
One day after school, it was in the spring as I remember it, she took me to a park that she liked a lot.
FABIENNE
(sarcastically)
Lovely.
JUAN
We found a bench and she broke out some chocolate chip cookies she had made. They were good. Really good. We made a habit of going there. Then one day she sang me the song. She had a sweet voice. Soothing. She had me memorize it and we sang it together when things got bad. We weren’t part of the cool kids group. Browns weren’t welcome and she was a brainy nerd, not the glamorous type required to be a member. And then one day at the park we kissed. It was awkward at first. We were scared people would stare. Not like what they were looking at. But after a while we didn’t care.
(pause)
FABIENNE
What’s the point of this precious memory?
(FABIENNE stops pacing, facing away from the wall.)
JUAN
Should I hate it now?
Lights down.
SCENE FOUR
Lights up.
MIKE and DAREN are seated at a kitchen table in a rundown room. DAREN has a plate of pancakes, MIKE a cup of coffee.
MIKE
Well? Are they tasty?
DAREN
Sure. Thanks, dad.
MIKE
The box was just about empty. Two good enough for this morning?
DAREN
Two’s good.
MIKE
I’ll get another box Friday, payday. Hey, maybe we could go to the county fair this weekend? Go on some rides. Eat turkey legs and fried Snickers. Smell the cows. Maybe try a couple of games. If we’re lucky we’ll win a giant stuffed animal, maybe…huh…a giraffe! What do you think?
DAREN
Sure.
MIKE
We should go Saturday. We can get discount tickets if we’re the first fifty people in. Besides, I think it’s going to rain Sunday.
(DAREN pauses cutting.)
DAREN
Aren’t you going to eat something?
MIKE
Coffee’s fine. I can get a donut at work. Free food! Can’t beat that, right?
(MIKE can see that something is bothering DAREN.)
Hey, how’s school? Don’t you have a test today? Math, right?
DAREN
Science.
MIKE
That’s right. Science. I knew that.
(MIKE smiles sheepishly, long pause as DAREN looks down at his plate, moving the food around but not eating, then he looks up.)
MIKE
Are you okay, Daren? Seems like—
DAREN
Dad, why do you have to work there?
(Pause as MIKE looks surprised at the question.)
DAREN
Is it okay if I ask?
MIKE
Sure. Well…It’s a good job, son. Steady work…
DAREN
I wish we didn’t have to leave.
MIKE
We had to. You know that. I didn’t have a choice.
(pause)
Hey, I might get a raise soon, even a bonus! Maybe someday we can buy a house. Have a big backyard. Get a grill. A real nice one, maybe the one shaped like an egg. I’ll barbecue as many hot dogs and hamburgers as you can eat. Wouldn’t that be awesome?
(pause)
DAREN
I miss mom.
MIKE
Not a day goes by that I don’t miss her, too.
(Pause; MIKE tries to change the subject.)
Hey, I’m almost finished fixing the window—
DAREN
What’s a patriot?
MIKE
What? Why do you—
DAREN
At school, they say you’re a patriot. They say everyone who works there is a patriot.
MIKE
Well, Daren…you see…we do what we do because we love our country. That’s a patriot.
(Pause; MIKE again tries to change the topic.)
Once I’m finished with the window—
DAREN
Those people there. Don’t they love our country, too?
MIKE
(MIKE looks at DAREN for a couple of beats, then down at the table, fiddling with his coffee cup.)
It’s time to catch your bus, son.
Lights down.
SCENE FIVE
Lights fade up.
JUAN is sitting with his back against the wall. FABIENNE is lying on her back on the mat, arms folded. On stage left there’s a park bench. Lights fade up on it as JUAN leaves his cell.
JUAN
I’m bored.
(FABIENNE looks at the wall incredulously.)
FABIENNE
I can’t believe you said that.
JUAN
How long has it been?
FABIENNE
I don’t know, Juan.
(pause)
JUAN
I have another memory. Want to hear it?
FABIENNE
Not really.
(FABIENNE sits up.)
JUAN
C’mon, what else do you have to do?
FABIENNE
Let me check my calendar. Oh, sorry, I have a call with God.
JUAN
That can wait. You won’t go to hell.
FABIENNE
We are in hell. Or haven’t you noticed.
JUAN
C’mon, Fabienne.
FABIENNE
Fiiiine.
(The cells go dark. As JUAN delivers the next lines, he walks to the bench, on which is his lunch bag. He sits.)
JUAN
It was a spring day. I was sitting on a park bench near the lake having my lunch. It was lovely out. A perfect day, sunny with a cool breeze.
(From his lunch bag, JUAN pulls out a sandwich in a baggie, a napkin, and a bottle of water. He spreads the napkin on his lap, takes out the sandwich and takes a bite, then drinks some water. He gazes around, taking in the beautiful weather. Without JUAN noticing, VIVIAN enters and immediately stops so that she is as far away from JUAN as possible. She’s wearing black boots, baggy jeans, a top that’s too big for her; her hair is dyed in a colorful way. She slowly takes off her satchel, pulls out a camera, crouches, focuses her camera, and appears to be taking photos of JUAN. He’s about to take another bite when he looks at her suddenly.)
JUAN
Did you just take a photo of me?
VIVIAN
I did.
(VIVIAN picks up her satchel and gradually approaches JUAN.)
JUAN
Why did you do that?
VIVIAN
That’s what I do.
JUAN
But you don’t know me. I didn’t give you permission.
VIVIAN
I don’t need it. I’m a street photographer.
JUAN
A street photographer?
VIVIAN
Yes.
JUAN
What exactly is that?
VIVIAN
I roam the streets of this city taking photos.
JUAN
But…you’re…not on a street.
VIVIAN
Doesn’t matter. It’s what I do that matters.
JUAN
What’s that?
VIVIAN
I use my camera to capture people. They live forever in my photos.
JUAN
Capture. That’s an interesting concept. Kind of creepy, if you ask me, though.
VIVIAN
Some people call us creeps.
JUAN
Sorry. I didn’t mean it that way.
VIVIAN
It’s okay.
(VIVIAN stands over JUAN looking at him intently. JUAN meets her gaze. There’s a long, awkward pause. JUAN looks at his sandwich and slowly raises it to his mouth. He’s about to take a bite when he pauses and looks at her without moving his face. He freezes.)
VIVIAN
Can I—
JUAN
Yes, please sit.
(VIVIAN sits on the bench; awkward pause.)
VIVIAN
Nice sandwich.
(awkward pause)
JUAN
Thanks.
VIVIAN
What kind is it?
JUAN
It’s uh…
VIVIAN
Looks like peanut butter and jelly.
(pause)
JUAN
It is.
VIVIAN
Hmmm… What kind of jelly do you use?
JUAN
Jelly?
VIVIAN
Well, it’s a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, right?
(she giggles)
JUAN
Right. It’s grape.
VIVIAN
Concord?
JUAN
What?
VIVIAN
Concord jelly?
JUAN
Yes…it is.
VIVIAN
Can I have a bite?
JUAN
(perplexed)
A bite?
VIVIAN
Looks yummy.
JUAN
Look—
VIVIAN
It’s okay.
(VIVIAN looks around and up at the sky.)
VIVIAN
Such a nice day.
JUAN
Indeed.
VIVIAN
When I leave my room, I ask my camera to help me capture what’s real in everyday life, from the bizarre to the beautiful. Some days I can do that, other days I can’t. Today I captured beauty. The blooming daffodils, the yellow contrasting beautifully against the green grass. The fluffy white clouds living lazily in the immense blue sky. The rhythm of the breaking waves along the lake’s shore. Lovely, isn’t it?
JUAN
Yes, it is.
(JUAN looks at the sky as VIVIAN begins to gaze at JUAN.)
VIVIAN
Would you like to look at some of my photos?
(JUAN looks at her, then at her camera.)
JUAN
Sure. Show me some streets, street photographer.
(VIVIAN moves towards JUAN so that they’re touching. He appears to be a bit uncomfortable. She gives JUAN the camera.)
VIVIAN
(showing JUAN how to scroll)
Here, just do this.
(JUAN scrolls as VIVIAN draws her head close to his to look as well.)
JUAN
These aren’t streets. These…these are all pictures of me! Over the past week! Here!
VIVIAN
Your favorite park?
JUAN
Actually, it is. But—
VIVIAN
Mine as well.
(JUAN looks at her, trying to figure out what is going on.)
VIVIAN
Hey, I’ve got some cookies. Made them myself. In case I get hungry while I’m shooting. Want one? They’re chocolate chip.
(VIVIAN reaches into her backpack, pulls out a baggie with cookies, opens it, and offers the baggie to JUAN. He takes the baggie, and he’s slowly realizing she is VIVIAN. She sings.)
VIVIAN
You just call out my name, and you know, wherever I am, I’ll come runnin’, to see you again.
JUAN
(almost in a whisper)
Vivian.
VIVIAN
Hmhm.
JUAN
My god.
VIVIAN
I came here last week and saw you. I knew it was you. Your face, as kind and sweet as it was when we kissed. Here. For the very first time. Do you remember, Juan?
(FABIENNE gradually stands up, listening intensely.)
JUAN
Yes… Of course.
(VIVIAN’s face closes in.)
VIVIAN
It felt so good, didn’t it?
JUAN
Yes, it did.
VIVIAN
Nothing else mattered in the world. It was just you and me.
JUAN
You and me.
(pause)
VIVIAN
Would you like to kiss me?
JUAN
What?
VIVIAN
Would you like to kiss me? Like we used to?
(pause)
JUAN
Uh…
VIVIAN
Kiss me, Juan.
(She draws her lips close to his and he suddenly pulls back.)
JUAN
I…I have to go, Vivian.
(JUAN gives back the cookies, hurriedly packs his lunch and walks toward his cell, drops his bag and resumes his position in the cell. Lights come up in the cells as lights fade at the park. VIVIAN looks at JUAN as he leaves, then looks down at the baggie. She stays seated.)
FABIENNE
You fool! You stupid fool!
(JUAN stands up abruptly and faces the wall.)
JUAN
Don’t call me that, Fabienne!
FABIENNE
Do you know how precious that kiss could’ve been?
JUAN
How was I supposed to know, huh? How? It’s so easy for you to sit there and pass judgment on me! It was years since I had seen her! It was a chance encounter! That’s all it was! A freak moment in time! That’s all!
(pause)
FABIENNE
It’s gone. You can’t go back.
(Long pause as JUAN slowly resumes his position against the wall.)
JUAN
It was, in its own strange way, a beautiful moment.
FABIENNE
And you walked away from it.
JUAN
Yes. I walked away from it, Fabienne. I walked away. It was pure chance, but I’ll never forget it.
(MIKE charges into the walkway.)
MIKE
What have I told you?! A thousand times!
JUAN
So sorry, sir.
MIKE
Apologies won’t cut it. Not anymore!
FABIENNE
Boss?
JUAN
Fabienne, stop!
FABIENNE
Can I have some water?
JUAN
Stop!!
FABIENNE
The sun’s making it awfully hot in here, boss.
MIKE
That’s it!
(MIKE reaches into FABIENNE’s cell and pulls her out.)
FABIENNE
Don’t touch me!
JUAN
Please, sir!!
MIKE
Shut up.
FABIENNE
Where are you taking me?!
MIKE
You’ll see!
(MIKE drags her off stage.)
Lights down.
SCENE SIX
Lights up.
The facility room. FABIENNE is seated at the table. JUAN is in his cell but both cells are dark. MIKE walks in with a bottle of water.
MIKE
You said you wanted water.
(MIKE places the bottle on the table. FABIENNE eyes it and picks it up.)
FABIENNE
It’s not cold. I want cold water.
(FABIENNE places the bottle down and pushes it towards MIKE.)
MIKE
Cold?
FABIENNE
On ice, preferably.
(pause)
MIKE
Why do you keep mouthing off at me? Hmm?
(pause)
Answer me?
(pause)
God dam—
FABIENNE
Why not?
MIKE
Why not?!
FABIENNE
It breaks the monotony.
MIKE
You’re always such a smartass.
FABIENNE
Thanks for the compliment.
MIKE
Do you know what I can do to you?
FABIENNE
What, beat me?
MIKE
As a matter of fact, yes!
(MIKE grabs the baton that’s obscured on the empty chair pulled up to the table.)
MIKE
You see, this?
FABIENNE
I’ve seen those before. I’ve seen what they can do.
MIKE
Then you know how painful it can be.
(pause)
Do you know I can get a raise for beating you bloody?
FABIENNE
What do they pay you? Minimum wage?
MIKE
Seems like you’re begging me to break you into pieces!
FABIENNE
Go ahead! I’m going to die in this place anyway.
MIKE
Dammit, is that what you want?
FABIENNE
That’s what you want.
MIKE
That’s not what I want.
FABIENNE
Oh! Wait, wait, wait. I know what you really want. You want to rape me.
(FABIENNE gets on the table and splays her legs.)
MIKE
What?!
FABIENNE
Go ahead! That’s what you and your kind do. You rape my people, you rape my communities, you rape our culture. Strip us of everything that makes us human. To erase us. We’re scum after all. We pollute the purity of whiteness. We threaten the State, the Country. All hail the omnipotent Dictator! For country and glory!
MIKE
I’m not a rapist! That’s not who I am!
FABIENNE
Oh, yes you are. You just don’t want to admit it.
MIKE
You can’t make me into something I’m not.
FABIENNE
You’re pathetic, do you know that? You think that you have meaning, that you have a noble purpose, that you’re a patriot because you walk the halls of this place with your guns and batons, never missing a chance to remind us that we’re subhuman, not worthy of living among you. But you know what?
MIKE
Just stop!
FABIENNE
It’s the other way around. You’re not worthy of living with us. My roots are from nobility in Africa before they landed in Haiti as slaves. My parents came here to pursue what is gone for so many of us now, the American dream. But still, in my community we celebrate poets, artists, intellectuals, storytellers that never let us forget that we are worthy humans. So maybe you and your kind are the real scum.
MIKE
Stop! Stop running your mouth! Why can’t you do that?!
FABIENNE
Because with every chance I get I want to remind you that you’ll die in a prison of your own. You’ll die rotting of hate. You’re a murderer. And no matter how hard you try, you’ll never wash the blood off your hands for what you’re doing here.
MIKE
I’m just a guard!
FABIENNE
Is that what you say to yourself in the mirror when you go home at night? I see that ring on your finger. Is that what you tell your kids when you tuck them in at night. Is that what you tell your wife when you’re fucking her? Or is it when you beat her?
(MIKE lunges at FABIENNE slapping her with the back of his hand. She falls off the table. MIKE looks horrified at what he’s done.)
MIKE
I…I’m sorry, Fabienne. I—
FABIENNE
Don’t you EVER say my name!
MIKE
I really am—
FABIENNE
My name is mine. You can’t take that away from me!
(long pause)
MIKE
You need to get up and go back. Here, take this water.
(FABIENNE stands defiantly and slaps away the bottle. They stare at each other for a few beats. Then she turns and leaves. Mike follows her to her cell and walks off. FABIENNE lies down on her mat in a fetal position.)
JUAN
Are you okay, Fabienne?
(long pause)
What did he do to you?
(long pause)
Fabienne?
Lights down.
SCENE SEVEN
Lights up.
(MIKE enters the prison room with a bottle of water. He puts the bottle on the table and stares at it for several beats. He looks up with a blank stare. He pulls the chair out slowly, sits, and stares blankly at the wall. He unscrews the bottle top, takes a sip, and screws the top back on. He stares blankly at the bottle, then pulls out a wallet from his back pocket. He opens it slowly and pulls out two photos. He looks at each one, as if he were in the moment of the photo. He doesn’t smile. He puts the photos on the table and stares blankly at the wall. Suddenly he slaps the bottle off the table and furiously and repeatedly pounds the table without emitting a sound. He pants for a while. He puts the photos back in the wallet and puts the wallet back in his pants. He brushes his hair with his hands, straightens his tie, and stands. As he leaves the room, he stops, stares at the bottle, crouches and picks up the bottle, staying crouched. He ponders the bottle for a number of beats, stands, and walks out.)
Lights down.
SCENE EIGHT
Lights up.
FABIENNE and JUAN are sitting on their mats with a tin plate of what hardly looks like food. JUAN is eating. FABIENNE stares at the plate, moving the substance around but not eating. They each have a tin cup of water.
What is this crap?
Poop.
FABIENNE
Probably rat crap.
JUAN
Just don’t look at it, like when you eat an oyster. You don’t gaze at it lovingly. You just swallow and get it over with.
FABIENNE
Oysters. I hate them. But I would give my right arm for one now.
JUAN
You should ask them for one. Seems like a fair trade. An oyster for a body part.
FABIENNE
Have you heard of griyo?
JUAN
Maybe.
FABIENNE
It’s Haiti’s national dish.
JUAN
Tell. We have tons of time.
FABIENNE
We ate it on Sundays, about mid-afternoon. It’s incredible. You want to use the best pork shoulder you can find. You marinate it in lemon juice and Haitian spices. Then you fry it to seal in the juices. When it’s ready, you serve it with red beans and rice, pickled cabbage, and peppers. Sometimes we would have fried plantain, too. The dish is a delicious celebration of our culture, even though it’s rooted in slavery.
(pause)
I miss that food. I miss my family. I miss my community. I miss spending weekends with friends, sharing special moments of our lives. I miss laughing. I miss crying out of love.
(pause)
I miss Emmanuel. He was a good man, a decent man, and kind. He was quite the kisser, too. Long kisses. Warm kisses. So sweet that I melted into him. We were engaged. We were happy. So hopeful of a beautiful life together. We planned to save and eventually open our own ice cream shop.
JUAN
You’ll see them again. You’ll kiss Emmanuel again.
FABIENNE
They separated us when they invaded our community. It was early evening in the spring. We were sitting around the table about to give thanks for our meal when they pounded on the door.
(Long pause as FABIENNE wraps her arms around her legs and drops her head.)
JUAN
Fabienne?
(pause)
You can tell me. If you want.
FABIENNE
They…they yelled, get out now! We heard people screaming. Emmanuel said, no, we won’t until you tell us why. They beat him brutally on the spot. They had bats, chains, batons. He died two days later.
(long pause)
JUAN
I’m so sorry, Fabienne.
(Pause, then with a tone that suggests FABIENNE is consciously shifting the focus to JUAN.)
FABIENNE
Enough about me. What about you, Juan? What’s your favorite food?
JUAN
Hands down, frijoles de olla, a heavenly bean stew made with onions and garlic. Mi mama made a big pot of it on the weekends. I helped her make the tortillas. Ate some right on the spot. Couldn’t resist.
FABIENNE
Hmmmm… Can I come over?
JUAN
If you promise to be nice.
FABIENNE
And you? Anyone special? Besides Vivian?
JUAN
Her name was Maria. I met her on a dating app. Her profile drew me in immediately. She was a dancer. I love to dance—a regular at the late-night salsa clubs. So I swiped right. Two months later we were in love. She valued me, all of me.
FABIENNE
Where is she now?
(pause)
JUAN
She’s dead. It was a Friday night. It was horribly cold outside. But we were staying warm in a bar, Julio’s, waiting for the salsa DJ. We were drinking dirty vodka martinis, celebrating Maria’s thirty-first birthday. Then all hell broke loose. They burst through the door. Dozens of them. They all wore black. Their faces covered. Called us terrible things. Rats, spics, roaches. They beat us, too. No mercy. We begged them to stop. They just laughed.
(long pause)
Maria died on the floor in a pool of her own blood. They threw me in a truck. I have no idea what happened to my family. I was told they invaded our neighborhoods.
(long pause)
FABIENNE
Do you know where this crap belongs?
JUAN
In the toilet? That would seem the logical place.
FABIENNE
Up their damn asses.
JUAN
That’s a gross thought.
FABIENNE
Let’s shove this crap back at them. Ready?
JUAN
What?
FABIENNE
You heard me.
JUAN
But we’ll get in trouble. He’ll beat you again.
FABIENNE
We’ve been in trouble since we got here. Are you with me?
JUAN
Okay, then. Let’s do it, then. Locked and loaded, capitán!
FABIENNE
On the count of three. One, two, three!
(They shove their plates into the walkway. MIKE enters.)
MIKE
What’s this?
JUAN
Shit. Uh…sorry, sir. We…we—
FABIENNE
The food is too rich for us, sir. Do you have any vegan options?
MIKE
You’re quite the comedian, but you both know this is a serious offense. And a serious reprimand is in order.
JUAN
Please, sir. It won’t happen again.
MIKE
Get up, Juan.
FABIENNE
Leave him alone! I made him do it!
MIKE
Doesn’t matter. Get up and follow me. Now! You piece of scum!
(JUAN gets up nervously and follows MIKE into the facility room. Lights go down on the cells.)
MIKE
Sit down.
(JUAN sits down nervously.)
JUAN
Please! Sir!
MIKE
Why did you do something stupid like that?
JUAN
We…I…
MIKE
Do you know what I can do to you for what you did?
JUAN
Yes.
MIKE
It can be painful.
JUAN
I know.
MIKE
Very painful.
JUAN
I know. I know.
MIKE
Then why risk it?
JUAN
We didn’t mean to.
MIKE
That doesn’t matter. Rules are rules. You broke the rules.
(pause)
Put your arms on the table.
JUAN
What?
MIKE
Your arms on the table!
(JUAN very slowly and nervously puts his arms on the table, breathing heavily. MIKE reaches down to the other chair that’s obscured like in Scene Six. JUAN shuts his eyes tightly, grimaces, and turns his face away from the table.)
JUAN
(screams at the top of his lungs)
NO! NO! NOOOOOOOO!
(MIKE pulls up two bags and tosses them on the table between JUAN’s arms. JUAN slowly opens his eyes and stares at the bags for a good number of beats, then looks up at MIKE.)
JUAN
(mystified)
What’s this?
MIKE
Open one.
(JUAN opens one and pulls out bread, sausage, and cheese. JUAN stares at the food in shock, then looks up at MIKE.)
JUAN
Have I died and gone to heaven?
MIKE
It’s not vegan but it’s better than the miscellaneous debris we give you. The other bag is for Fabienne. I’ll get them to you when it’s safe.
(pause)
JUAN
Why—
MIKE
It’s our leftovers. Would’ve wound up in the dumpster.
(pause)
JUAN
But why are you doing this?
MIKE
How’s Fabienne? She’s not eating much.
JUAN
She says there’s no point.
MIKE
She needs to eat. Tell her to eat. Eat what’s in these bags.
JUAN
Maybe she’s right, you know. We’re going to die here. Why eat and prolong the agony?
MIKE
I’ve never said you would die here.
JUAN
You don’t have to.
(pause)
It seems like so long ago, like a different century, when she told me time is a weapon.
MIKE
What?
JUAN
A weapon. To erase people like me and Fabienne. She said something like, we’ll disappear, as if we never existed.
(MIKE turns away from JUAN, crossing his arms.)
MIKE
Don’t say that.
JUAN
But it’s true.
(MIKE turns toward JUAN.)
MIKE
I’m giving you food, aren’t I?
JUAN
But you get to go home at night.
(pause)
You have a family, don’t you.
MIKE
I do.
JUAN
Kids?
MIKE
One.
JUAN
Boy? Girl?
MIKE
Boy.
JUAN
What’s his name, if you don’t mind me asking.
MIKE
Daren.
JUAN
Hmmm. I was hoping to have children one day. Lots of them…
(pause)
But that will never happen. Will it?
(long pause)
What’s your name?
MIKE
Mike.
JUAN
Mike, I just have one more question. Can I ask?
MIKE
Go on.
JUAN
Do you really want to be the one holding the weapon?
(pause)
MIKE
I need to get you back to your cell.
Lights down.
SCENE NINE
Lights up.
MIKE and DAREN are seated at the kitchen table. MIKE is stirring cookie dough in a bowl. He has a hand towel draped over his shoulder.
MIKE
I hope you appreciate how hard I’m working on this batter!
DAREN
Let me try!
MIKE
Go for it!
(MIKE passes the bowl to DAREN.)
DAREN
It’s hard!
MIKE
You said you had a craving for cookies! And this is my secret recipe! The key, young man, is to use room-temperature butter!
DAREN
Come on, dad. You got it from the bag!
MIKE
Nuh-uh!
DAREN
Why are we making so much?
MIKE
Who ever asks that question when they’re making cookies?!
DAREN
Are you gonna pig out on these when I go to bed?!
MIKE
Me? Never!
DAREN
Uhuh. Sure, dad.
(pause)
MIKE
Hey, remember mom’s Christmas cookies?
DAREN
Yeah!
MIKE
All those cookie cutters, Christmas trees, snowflakes, candy canes—
DAREN
Reindeer.
MIKE
Now, she had a secret recipe. Those butter cookies… So good, right?
DAREN
The best!
MIKE
And they came out perfectly.
DAREN
Not the blobs you make.
MIKE
That’s a low blow!
DAREN
Well, it’s true!
(MIKE looks at DAREN intently but with a look suggesting he’s not really there. DAREN notices, stops stirring, and meets MIKE’s gaze.)
DAREN
Dad?
(MIKE snaps out of it.)
MIKE
Those were good times, right?
DAREN
They were good times, dad. Really fun. But this is fun, too.
MIKE
Sure it is, Daren. Lots of fun… Hey, give me that bowl, you weakling!
DAREN
But I’m almost finished!
(MIKE takes the bowl.)
MIKE
Get the baking sheets and the cookie container.
DAREN
(Daren stands and salutes.)
Yes, sir!
(MIKE freezes a bit when he sees this, then stands abruptly and cleans his hands with the towel, looking at it with a look suggesting he’s thinking about something.)
MIKE
And get a big baggie, too.
DAREN
Why a baggie?
MIKE
There are some folks at work who like cookies.
Lights down.
SCENE TEN
Lights fade up.
FABIENNE is lying on her side on the mat, facing the wall. JUAN is in the process of moving his bucket into the far corner, then sitting on his mat.
FABIENNE
(she coughs)
You there?
JUAN
I’m here, Fabienne.
FABIENNE
How long has it been?
JUAN
A long time.
FABIENNE
But how long?
JUAN
A really long time. Ok? Really long, Fabienne.
(Long pause; FABIENNE coughs.)
JUAN
That cough isn’t getting any better.
(pause)
Mike’s told you to eat. He gives us decent food and still you don’t eat… You can at least eat the cookies.
FABIENNE
I’m not hungry.
JUAN
You’re not hungry because you’re sick. And you’re sick because you’re not eating.
(pause)
You know he’s worried about you.
FABIENNE
He holds the weapon.
JUAN
He’s changed.
FABIENNE
But we’re still here.
(She coughs)
JUAN
Eat, Fabienne. You need your strength.
FABIENNE
What’s the point, Juan?
JUAN
You know, if you die, you’ll be giving them what they want! But they wouldn’t be just killing you, they’d be one step closer to killing your friends, your family, your community. One step closer to killing all of us. To wiping us out, as if we never existed. Is that what you want?
FABIENNE
I’m not a hero, Juan. This isn’t a movie where we save the day. There’s no happy ending.
JUAN
I refuse to believe that.
FABIENNE
You’re in denial. You always have been.
Lights down.
SCENE ELEVEN
Lights up.
Months later in the facility room. JUAN and FABIENNE are lying on their mats in darkened cells. MIKE is seated, his hands cupped together, head down. CHILDERS enters, MIKE abruptly stands up nervously.
CHILDERS
Hello, Mike.
MIKE
Good afternoon, sir.
CHILDERS
Have a seat.
(MIKE sits down slowly. CHILDERS sits, pulls out his pack of cigarettes and his lighter, lights a cigarette, takes a deep pull and watches the smoke as he exhales.)
CHILDERS
It’s been a while since you’ve had the pleasure of my company. About six months, I believe. How’ve you been?
MIKE
Well, sir—
CHILDERS
Enough with the chitchat. I’m here for a serious reason. So I need you to be serious. Are you a serious person? Mike?
MIKE
I believe—
CHILDERS
In Jesus Christ?
MIKE
Sir, I—
CHILDERS
Never mind. Been there, done that with you. Mike, here’s the serious reason. We’re facing a big problem. In fact, it’s a looming crisis. We’re running out of room in our facilities for the undesirable blacks, browns, yellows, and reds—the loyalists we can keep, I suppose. The Muslims must go. And the Jews for that matter. We’re now a Christian nation after all. And, of course, we mustn’t forget the communists, queers, cripples and mongrels. We’ve tried to ship out the whole bunch but the process is too slow or they’ve shut their borders, some for the very same reasons we’re grappling with. What do you think we should do?
MIKE
Well…sir…we should…should…
CHILDERS
Should, should, should. Do you have a stutter? Mike?
MIKE
No, sir.
CHILDERS
Well, then?
MIKE
We should build more facilities. Find space, I suppose.
CHILDERS
No, no, no. We need the space for us. To live happily. Raise families. Propagate. No, Mike, we have to thin out our facilities. Do you know what that means?
MIKE
Sir?
CHILDERS
Are you deaf, Mr. Johnson? Do you know what that means?
(pause)
MIKE
I…I do. Sir.
(MIKE uses the cuff of his shirt to wipe his forehead.)
CHILDERS
Good. We’ll start with your block. And first in line will be those two troublemakers, Hernandez and Baptiste. I’ve heard there was an occasion when they threw their food out of their cells. And you did nothing about it.
MIKE
I reprimanded them, sir.
CHILDERS
Reprimanded. Hmmm. I’ve also heard rumors that you’ve passed them extra food, that you’ve been talking to them. Any truth to these rumors?
MIKE
No, sir.
CHILDERS
It would be treasonous to become attached to the scum. Of course, you know this, correct?
MIKE
Yes, sir.
CHILDERS
Good. To prove to me that you’re a patriot truly devoted to our nation’s greatness, tomorrow morning you’ll bring those two to the basement. Make sure you have your gun.
MIKE
(in a shocked tone)
What?
CHILDERS
Ultimately, they’ll beg for it. Are you with me? Mike?
(pause)
Are you with me?
MIKE
(barely audible)
Yes.
CHILDERS
I didn’t hear that.
MIKE
Yes. Sir.
CHILDERS
(Raises his right arm with a fist)
Excellent! For country and glory!
MIKE
(Raises his arm similarly.)
For country and glory!
(MIKE stands while CHILDERS leaves. MIKE slowly lowers his arm and sits. He puts his face in his hands, elbows on the table and runs his hands through his hair, then pulls out his cellphone and calls DAREN.)
MIKE
(in a worried tone)
Hey. Just checking in on you. How was practice?…Really?…You’ll be a scoring machine….Soon. I just have to take care of a few things. How about pizza tonight?…Pepperoni it is….Sure, I’m okay… Don’t worry, son, I’m fine… See you soon. And Daren?…I love you more than anything in the world. You know that, right?…Good.
Lights down.
SCENE TWELVE
(FABIENNE is lying on her side, facing the wall. She’s covered by a blanket. Her knees are pulled up as if she’s cold. JUAN is sitting with his back to the wall, his arms wrapped around his legs.)
Lights fade up.
(FABIENNE has a coughing fit. Her voice is feeble.)
FABIENNE
Juan?
JUAN
I’m here.
FABIENNE
I’m cold.
JUAN
He gave you a blanket.
FABIENNE
I’m still cold.
JUAN
I’m sorry.
FABIENNE
I have a memory. Do you want to hear it?
JUAN
Sure.
(JUAN turns to sit facing the wall.)
FABIENNE
(She speaks as if in a dream.)
I must’ve been about eight when my parents began taking me to an ocean beach about an eight-hour drive from our place. But it wasn’t really a swimming beach. People went there in the summers to catch crabs. We pitched a tent not far from the water. It wasn’t very big. But just enough space to fit the three of us without feeling like sardines in a can.
(She has a coughing fit followed by silence.)
JUAN
Fabienne?
FABIENNE
Every morning at dawn my mom and dad and I would wade into the warm water and set up two poles about thirty feet apart with a string connecting them. About every six feet we tied turkey necks to the string and let it fall to the bottom. Every half hour or so we checked the string. I was so excited when we lifted the string and saw these big crabs hanging onto the necks. We usually caught about a couple dozen. At sunset we feasted on crab, crusty bread, potato salad, and lemonade. My dad told us jokes which we’d heard a hundred times. But we still laughed…
JUAN
That’s a beautiful memory, Fabienne. You’ll make more. Okay?
(long pause)
FABIENNE
That day in the park. It must’ve been so beautiful. The flowers, the sky, the clouds, the water.
JUAN
It was.
(FABIENNE has a coughing fit.)
JUAN
Maybe we shouldn’t talk. Give your throat a rest.
(FABIENNE starts crying.)
JUAN
Fabienne?
(pause)
Fabienne. Talk to me.
(FABIENNE stops crying; long pause.)
FABIENNE
Will you sing that song for me again?
JUAN
Maybe later.
FABIENNE
Please, Juan.
(pause)
JUAN
When you’re down and troubled
And you need some lovin’ care
And nothin’, nothin’ is goin’ right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night
JUAN (Cont.)
You just call out my name…
(pause)
Fabienne?
(pause)
FABIENNE
You should’ve kissed her.
JUAN
I know. I should have.
(FABIENNE has a coughing fit. Very long pause as JUAN listens for any sounds she might make.)
JUAN
Fabienne?
FABIENNE
Yes?
JUAN
Will you dance with me?
(FABIENNE sits up.)
FABIENNE
Dance? Okay, but how?
JUAN
We’ll do a slow dance. Okay?
FABIENNE
Sure.
(FABIENNE stands up facing the wall.)
JUAN
Ready?
FABIENNE
Yes.
JUAN
Okay, hold my hips.
(FABIENNE holds her hands out as if holding JUAN’s hips.)
JUAN
Feel them?
FABIENNE
(coughs)
Yes.
JUAN
Now I’ll put my arms on your shoulders. Hear the music? Soft and slow?
FABIENNE
I do.
JUAN
Let’s dance.
(They sway slowly from side to side.)
FABIENNE
Can you come closer?
JUAN
Here I come.
(They get closer to the wall and dance for a number of beats; FABIENNE coughs.)
JUAN
How does it feel?
FABIENNE
Beautiful.
JUAN
Yes it is, Fabienne.
FABIENNE
Juan?
JUAN
Yes?
FABIENNE
Will you kiss me?
(They both stop dancing and drop their arms.)
JUAN
What?
FABIENNE
(Her voice becomes progressively weaker, perhaps a bit delirious.)
Will you kiss me?
JUAN
How do I find you? Your face? Your lips?
FABIENNE
Let’s tap on the wall until the taps meet.
(they do that)
JUAN
I think we’re face to face.
FABIENNE
Kiss me, Juan.
(They kiss the wall for a number of beats.)
FABIENNE
Thank you. They’ll never erase all of us, will they?
JUAN
Never. We’ll fight back. You and me. When we leave this place.
(pause)
FABIENNE
I’m leaving now, Juan.
JUAN
What?
FABIENNE
To find my parents. To go to the beach.
JUAN
Wait! We’ll find them together!
(She falls to the floor and dies.)
JUAN
Fabienne?
(pause)
Fabienne! Say something. Please. Fabienne!
(MIKE rushes into the walkway.)
MIKE
Let’s go. The two of you!
JUAN
What?
MIKE
Now!
JUAN
What’s happening?
MIKE
Shut up. We don’t have much time.
JUAN
Fabienne’s dead.
MIKE
What?
JUAN
She’s gone.
(MIKE checks FABIENNE for a pulse; puts his ear to her mouth to hear for breath.)
MIKE
Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! We have to go.
JUAN
Where are we going?
MIKE
You’re leaving this place.
JUAN
What?
MIKE
Don’t ask questions. Just listen. You see those stairs? Take them down one floor. You’ll see a long corridor to your right. Take it all the way to the kitchen. It’s the shift change and with any luck you won’t be noticed. There’s a door behind the freezers that’ll take you to a field. Thirty yards out is the tree line. I cut a hole in the fence. Once you’re through, you run. As fast and as hard as you can. It’s dark. Make it to the woods and you’ll have a chance.
JUAN
Why are you doing this?
MIKE
(MIKE pauses and looks JUAN in the eye.)
Because you’re my fellow patriot. Here, take this.
(MIKE hands JUAN an envelope.)
JUAN
What’s this?
MIKE
It’s for my son. He means everything—
JUAN
I know.
MIKE
I’ve given you the directions to my apartment and a photo of him from my wallet. Look for a black box on the top rack of my closet. You’ll find money. Find Daren and leave. Have him text me. Promise me you’ll do that. I have to trust you, Juan. Promise me!
JUAN
I promise. Why don’t you come with me? They’ll figure out it’s you. You know what they’ll do to you when they find out.
MIKE
I have some unfinished business. Now go!
(JUAN runs off stage; MIKE looks back at the cells.)
MIKE
I’m sorry, Fabienne. I’m so sorry.
(He pulls out his gun and stares at it.)
MIKE
I’m coming for you, you sadistic bastard. This has to end, and you’re first in line. For country and glory.
(MIKE turns towards backstage and walks off.)
Lights down.
SCENE THIRTEEN
Lights up.
(CHILDERS runs across the stage, looking back as if being chased. He’s not wearing a jacket. His tie is loosened, and his shirt is pulled out. There’s a long piece of toilet paper stuck to the back of his pants.)
CHILDERS
I was just following orders!
Lights down.
SCENE FOURTEEN
Lights fade up.
One year later. DAREN is sleeping in an alleyway next to a trash can. He’s covered with a dirty blanket, a bag of clothes serving as a pillow. He appears to be asleep. VIVIAN enters and squats next to him. She takes off her satchel, pulls out a camera, and takes a shot of DAREN. He sits up, startled.
DAREN
What! What are… Did you, did you just—
VIVIAN
Yes. I took a photo of you.
DAREN
Why?
VIVIAN
Because I’m a street photographer.
DAREN
A what?
VIVIAN
A street photographer. I roam the streets of this city and capture people with my camera. You make a pretty good subject to capture, Daren.
(VIVIAN sits and crosses her legs.)
DAREN
Wait. How do you know my name?
VIVIAN
There’s someone very dear to me, his name is Juan. He knew your father. Juan asked me to find you.
DAREN
How did you find me?
VIVIAN
(She holds up the photo MIKE gave JUAN.)
I’ll admit it wasn’t easy. It’s taken me a year. But this is my city. I know it well, including the alleys. My name is Vivian, by the way.
(pause)
Daren, why did you run away? Juan went to your place to find you. To keep you safe. You weren’t there.
(long pause)
Daren?
DAREN
My dad called that night. He sounded worried. He said he was okay. But I knew something was wrong. Later that night the sirens at the facility went off. I was scared. I panicked. Something told me my dad wasn’t coming home. I ran.
(pause)
Did you find him?
(VIVIAN looks at DAREN with great sympathy and places her hand on his knee.)
VIVIAN
No. I’m so sorry, Daren.
(DAREN begins to cry.)
VIVIAN
I have something for you. It’s from your dad. He gave it to Juan. Juan found me at a park near the lake. He knew it was our favorite place. We had a long talk about what happened.
(VIVIAN pulls out the letter and hands it to DAREN.)
VIVIAN
This is for you. Have a look. I’m going to go for a walk and I’ll—
DAREN
Don’t go!
VIVIAN
Don’t you want to read it?
DAREN
Read it to me. Please.
VIVIAN
Okay.
(VIVIAN begins reading the letter. If it’s possible in the space, there’s a voice-over and MIKE reads the letter, taking over from VIVIAN. Otherwise, perhaps MIKE is sitting upstage writing the letter as VIVIAN reads. If this doesn’t work, then VIVIAN reads the entire letter.)
VIVIAN (Cont.)
My dear son, one morning at breakfast you asked me what the word patriot means. I said a patriot is someone who acts out of love for his country. I believe it as a truth, about who I am, and about who you will be. I was
MIKE (V.O.)
devastated when I lost my job at the factory. And then we lost your mom because I didn’t have the money to make her well. I felt helpless, humiliated. And I was angry. So angry that one night I left you with neighbors and went to a meeting in an abandoned warehouse in town. Hundreds were there, just like me. A man spoke passionately to us. He said we were the forgotten ones, but there was a way to fight back. He said it was up to us to take our country back from those who had taken everything from us. He whipped us into a frenzy and raised his arm. With a clenched fist, he shouted, fellow patriots, for country and glory! That night I signed up for a job they said was necessary to accomplish that objective. That was my ticket to get us out of a dying town, to give us, to give you, a chance of a better life. It was only at the facility that I realized what they meant by being a patriot. At first, I believed it was the right thing to do. I tried to be the patriot they wanted me to be. But with every passing day, I began to doubt myself. I grew ashamed about what I was doing. I felt especially bad when I came home to you. Those people in the facility had been children just like you. They had parents who wanted the same things I want for you. I did things I wish I could take back. But I can’t. And that will haunt me forever. Tonight, a man told me to do something horrible, to help him commit mass murder. I knew then that I had been fooled, maybe willingly, into thinking that patriotism meant erasing fellow human beings from the face of this earth just because they’re different. I could’ve said to myself that I was just doing what I was told to do. But that’s cowardness. That’s unforgivable. I won’t be part of it. He told me to begin the process by eliminating two longtime detainees I had come to know and like a lot, Juan Hernandez and Fabienne Baptiste. I’ve decided to get them out tonight. I’ll give this letter to them in case I can’t get back to you tonight. If you’re reading it now, go with them. I trust them to keep you safe until I find you. To answer your question whether people like Juan and Fabienne are patriots, they, like all the others in this facility, are the finest patriots this country has ever seen. We need to fight for them, with them. A true patriot is a guardian of what is good, what is right, what is just. I love you more than anything in the world, Daren. Become the patriot I wish I could’ve been years ago, the patriot I should’ve been when you asked me that question.
VIVIAN
(finishing reading the letter)
The money is all that I could save for us. Keep it in a safe place. Someday, I hope you can buy that house we dreamed about, with a big backyard and a grill. You can make all the burgers and hotdogs you can eat.
(VIVIAN folds the letter.)
VIVIAN
That’s a beautiful letter.
DAREN
I miss my dad.
VIVIAN
Of course you do.
(VIVIAN pulls out a stack of bills and holds it up.)
VIVIAN
Hey, look what I have. I counted five thousand dollars. Not too bad, Daren.
(pause)
DAREN
Where are Juan and Fabienne now?
VIVIAN
Juan said Fabienne got sick. Your dad gave her food, but she died anyway.
DAREN
And Juan?
VIVIAN
He wanted to find you, to keep his promise to your dad, but he was needed to lead good people in the fight against evil people, people like that man who wanted your dad to do horrible things. I’m doing the same thing here. With this.
(VIVIAN pretends to take a shot of someone far off.)
I keep track of evil people, Daren!
(pause)
DAREN
What now?
(VIVIAN stands up and starts putting her camera back in the satchel.)
VIVIAN
You look hungry. How about I take you to my place. Get you some clean clothes. I don’t have a grill, but I can cook you a big plate of spaghetti and meatballs. How does that sound?
DAREN
Really good.
VIVIAN
(She helps DAREN get up.)
Okay. Let’s go.
DAREN
I think he gave her cookies.
VIVIAN
What?
DAREN
We liked baking cookies. He took lots of them to work. I think he gave some to Fabienne.
VIVIAN
Seems like your father was trying, Daren. Trying to be a good man.
DAREN
I’m sorry she died.
VIVIAN
(She leans down to look him in the face.)
Daren, Juan told me he would fight for Fabienne, for her memories. So will I. We won’t stop until all those facilities your dad worked at are shut down.
DAREN
I want to help.
VIVIAN
Hey, did your dad ever mention a dish called griyo?
DAREN
I don’t think so.
VIVIAN
It’s a Haitian dish. Fabienne told your dad about it. So you start by using the best pork shoulder you can find…
Fade to black.
THE END
Subtext 