Editor's Note: This is the original script, as shared by the author.
As audiences come in, it is a bare stage. Empty. The lights go dark. A moment passes. Then, a ghost light turns on, a light in the darkness. The lights raise a little bit to help illuminate the actors, but they are mainly lit by the ghost light.
LILY walks through the auditorium doors, and up to the stage. She sits by the light and looks out into the theatre. Suddenly, a door opens and closes from backstage.
TYLER enters.
LILY
Jesus Christ, Tyler… what the hell are you doing here?
TYLER
I could ask you the same thing, how did you get in here?
LILY
I’m on the student board, I have a key to the building for fundraising events, how did you..
TYLER
The back door’s lock doesn’t work, if you force it enough it’ll open.
LILY Tyler, that’s breaking and entering.
TYLER
The whole campus is on lock down, you shouldn’t be in here either even with a key.
LILY
(sighs) Come on… sit with me.
TYLER
What brings you to the aud at this time?
LILY
Is that really a question?
TYLER
I asked for a reason.
LILY
They just cancelled all performances of everything… we spent the past month preparing this show, for what? For no one to see it? Everything to just go to waste? I mean look at this place, they already took the set down… I guess I just wanted to relive everything… even that was ruined.
TYLER
I’m sorry Lily… I know how much this meant to you…
LILY
It’s fine… I’m not the only one who is left with nothing to do anymore.
TYLER
I get that for sure, my boss just told me I need to stop coming into work until further notice.
LILY
That’s messed up.
TYLER
Sure is… but it’s all for a good reason.
LILY
You can’t possibly agree with all of this?
TYLER
You want the virus to continue to spread?
LILY
No, but...
TYLER
You think packing 500 people in this aud is gonna stop it?
LILY
Gahhhh- I hate that you’re right… you always were.
TYLER
It’s why we broke up, remember?
LILY
We broke up cause we just fell out of it.
TYLER
I know… I was joking.
LILY
You always did joke at the most inappropriate times.
TYLER
Speaking of inappropriate timing…
TYLER pulls out a small bottle of hand sanitizer.
TYLER (CONT) Want some?
LILY
Of course you’re carrying hand sanitizer around with you.
She takes some in her hand
TYLER
Gotta stay safe out there, I can’t afford to be sick.
LILY
Smart… how have you...
TYLER
Been?
LILY
Uh… yeah… have you been good?
TYLER
In all honesty… yeah. Now that I’m just a minor, and with my criminal justice major, I feel like I’m getting a lot more out of my college experience. I like the attention, but not on stage, I think being in charge in court is far more fulfilling.
LILY
That’s good… I’m really happy to hear that… even if you were one of the best performers I know.
TYLER
Everyone says that…
LILY
It’s true.
TYLER
Maybe… how have you been Lil?
LILY
Oh, you know, not that bad, I’ve been… To be honest really terrible. I’m freaking the hell out right now. And people don’t seem to care. They are closing everything without giving explanation, people are gathering at bars without a care, there’s even a tik tok dance about the virus now.
TYLER
You’re kidding… what is it.
LILY stands up and does a dance similar to the renegade dance, but has visible moves about keeping clean.
LILY
What do you think?
TYLER
God I hate tik tok.
LILY
Oh I love it, It’s a good escape… especially now.
TYLER
For sure, I’ve been on Xbox quite a bit.
LILY
You always are on Xbox.
TYLER
Well, more than usual, there isn’t much to do when I’m not doing homework…
LILY
When do you think things will be back to normal?
TYLER
I’m not sure… hopefully soon… If people aren’t dumb and stay safe, it’ll be only a matter of months.
LILY
I hope so.
TYLER
I know so…
A moment passes, then another. They continue to stare, and they move in for a kiss, but TYLER backs away
TYLER
Sh#t I can’t.
LILY
Sorry, you’re right… that was stupid.
TYLER
Sh#t… what if we get sick?
Pulls out the sanitizer
LILY
Tyler… calm down, it’s ok.
TYLER
Just give me a minute! Please don’t touch me!
LILY
Hey! Just breath!
TYLER
Sh#t… sh#t… sh#t…
LILY
Tyler, listen to me… breath in… breath out.
LILY is able to get his attention, TYLER starts breathing, eventually letting her put her hands on his shoulders.
TYLER
Thanks… I’m sorry… Lily I’m scared as hell of getting sick.
LILY
It’s ok Tyler… to be scared… you’re ok.
TYLER
I’ve been so afraid to get sick…
LILY
Me too… I know you’re scared… but I’m not sick… and neither are you… you’re ok.
TYLER
I know… I know.
LILY
Tyler… why did you come to the aud?
TYLER
My roommate was coughing… I panicked… I knew I would be safe here… I always felt safe here… this is where we met…
LILY
Was it?
TYLER
You don’t even remember?
LILY
Did we really meet at orientation?
TYLER
Yep…
LILY
Do you want me to go Tyler?
TYLER
I...
LILY
If you came here to get some space… I can leave.
TYLER
You don’t have to…
LILY
I know you’re scared… I just want to make sure you beat this virus…
TYLER
I will… I promise.
LILY
I’ll give you some time by yourself… don’t stay here all night.
TYLER
Be safe please… stay away from coughing people.
LILY
I will Tyler…
TYLER
Thanks…
LILY
Can we meet up after the virus is gone?
TYLER
Sure.
LILY
Just to talk… nothing needs to happen.
TYLER
No for sure, I- Text me when they lift this lockdown.
LILY
I will…
TYLER
Good luck out there…
LILY
You too…
LILY exits. Lights go down on TYLER. The ghost light stays lit for a moment, then goes off.
End of play
