This is a companion piece for my post “Scripts, Theater, Fiction, and the Essence of Medium.”
SCENE 1
Night. Train ambiance. SILAS sits on the bed stage left, his eyes closed. KIKI sits in front of the bedside table, restless. A lit lantern rests on the table. Blankets lie in a pile downstage right.
KIKI
Hey, Silas. Um, about earlier — you know, back at the station. Um. L-look, I…
SILAS
Don’t. Talking doesn’t help.
KIKI
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean… I just… All I wanted…
SILAS
Kiki, I know what you’re going to say. And thanks. Really. But — don’t worry about it.
KIKI
Can’t say I was surprised. From all I heard, I figured it was only a matter of time. But to actually watch it happen… You sure you’re alright?
SILAS
Yeah. I’m used to it.
KIKI
You’re awfully brave, you know. Going to the capital of all places. I bet a lot of Lijani wouldn’t dare do that.
SILAS
I’m not doing this for myself.
KIKI
I know. You’re doing it for him.
Short pause.
KIKI
Well, I guess that settles it. (brighter) Yes. This proves it all — no doubt about it.
SILAS
Proves what?
KIKI
That you’re a good friend, which proves you’re also a good man.
SILAS
(confused) Didn’t you say that all fairies are excellent judges of character? That you can read someone instantly?
KIKI is surprised, but quickly collects herself.
KIKI
Well, a read isn’t the full picture, you see. Sometimes, a fairy will say what they need to to stick with a person. Spend time with them. Get to know them. Observe how they react in different situations. Then, we can confirm what we saw from the start. (beat) That’s right. I was testing you.
SILAS
(laughs) Testing me?
KIKI
I was waiting for just the right moment to dig into you. But as luck would have it, we walked right into the perfect scenario. All I had to do was watch. And I am pleased to announce that you passed with flying colors. So? How does it feel?
SILAS
Like you’re just making all of this up.
KIKI
I am not! I’m serious! I honestly was.
SILAS
Sure, sure. Whatever you say.
SILAS turns off the lantern, then lies down on the bed, facing away from KIKI.
KIKI
What kind of answer is that?
SILAS
Good night.
KIKI voices her frustration. She then lies down on the pile of blankets, covering herself with one before falling asleep.