"When the Curtains are Drawn"

“When the Curtains are drawn”

Scene 1

(The year is 1945. The radio is playing in the living room. The static continuously cuts in and out of the broadcast. A male speaker with an American accent is proclaiming the loss of Germany in the War.)

Host 1: “Europe’s super powers alongside America have crushed the German army, along with their fleets and set fire to their birds in the sky. We rained hailstones on their fleets from the sky.

Host 2: Whoaaa! Isn’t that great? We terminated those German cockroaches. We fight for freedom and prosperity! Indeed Poseidon opened his mouth of justice and set wave after wave on their German fleets. The stars and the stripes were gleaming in our darkest hour! Godbless America!

(The speech cuts out, all that is audible is the static coming from the speakers. The family are laying on the floor lifeless. Their shadows are cast on the walls. The grim figures of the shadows dominate the room. The light bulb sways back and forth from the ceiling. It flickers on and off. There are two adult sized chairs on opposite ends of the room and a single stool suitable for a child directly in the middle. A collection of toy soldiers lay at the feet of the family. Lined up with precision as if ready to go for battle. On the set of draws sat a large bunched of wilted roses. They were leaning towards they ground. As if weeping at the image of the lifeless figures on the floor.)

 

                                                                        Scene 2

(The sound of the kettle whistling could be heard from the kitchen as Persephone worked diligently in the kitchen. She grimaces as the hot steam from the pot brushes her skin, but she continues to expertly stir the stew. Samson is sat on the dinner table waiting for his meal. The look of frustration and impatience was etched on his face. He is tapping his foot at a fast pace. Persephone notices his behaviour.)

Persephone: You will make a hole in that floor Mr if you continue to drum your foot.

(Samson grunts and continues to tap his foot, this time with more force.)

Persephone: If not for the tapping I would be able to hear the bear noises in your stomach. (She laughs as she continues to stir the pot.)

Samson: I fail to share your humour, every woman knows that you can’t tease a grown man with food. Wait, allow me to re-phrase, any woman knows they cannot tease a solider with food! I’ve had a long day, I need something to keep the bear cub quiet, and we don’t want him to keep growling do we? You know how bears become when they are too hungry. They bite, they sink their long teeth into the flesh so that you can’t move. A grip, so strong…

Daisy: Stop it Daddy! That’s not nice!

Samson: Sorry my love! Daddy is just a bit hungry!

(As he gets up, she runs towards him. She throws a half-eaten cracker at him which he catches with his mouth. He pulls her in an embrace and plants a kiss on her cheek. Persephone puts a bowl of beef stew on his table, with a jug of cold water and bread on the side. He grunts to signal his appreciation and relief. He eyes the food like an animal cornering its prey. He sits at the table and proceeds to devour his meal. His heavy hands cannot steady the cutlery. He sets the fork and knife down and begins to use his hands. The revelation of using his hands pleases him. He begins to eat the food more freely and faster, eyes wide with excitement. Persephone grimaces at the stew spilling over the side of the bowl.)

Persephone: Goodness. Tell me Samson, is the bear inside of you or has it decided to come out in my kitchen?

Samson: Whose kitchen?

Persephone: (Whispers.) I couldn’t hear you between your animal squawks.

(Samson shoots a menacing look at her. She whimpers and hides her face in embarrassment. She whispers something inaudible and exits the room.)

Daisy: Father! Could you tell me that story again please!

Samson: Won’t you let your father rest my sweet rose?

Daisy: Nooo! Please one more time

(She is beaming with excitement. Hopping up and down in front of clearly exhausted Samson. He pushes his food to the side and wipes his hands. He leaps on his feet and picks up two bowls from the kitchen and places one on Daisy’s head and one on his head. Together they patrol the front room mimicking soldiers.)

Samson: Sssshhh! (Places one finger on his lip and points ahead)

Daisy: (In a failed whisper) We must save the women and children!

(Samson presses his index finger on her lip)

(The both re-enact a war rescue. Their movements are surreal and exaggerated. Samson leads the way with his invisible gun above his head.)

Daisy: Daddy! You are my hero!

(Samson rolls on his stomach breathing heavily. He is laughing hysterically between each deep breath)

Daisy: Daddy why did the Jews hate us? In school they taught us that they have big funny noses and big eyebrows. I think they look funny and ugly. Why did they want to kill us? Mummy said they were bad people that wanted to hurt you. But you saved them from us!

(Samson stares at her blankly.)

Daisy: Daddy?

Samson: (Glances at the clock on the wall) I don’t have time to tell stories right now. Now run along and go to bed.

Daisy: ohhhhhh

Samson: (He cuts her off by waving his hands towards the staircase. Daisy salutes him like a solider and marches up the stairs.)

 

 

                                                                        Scene 3

(Persephone is tidying up the stage area. The room is bare, with cream coloured walls. Though the room was empty it had an ethereal tone. The cupboards had flowers engraved on the window frames. Soft classical music could be heard playing quietly in the background. Daisy, Tulip and Lily are stretching in the corner.)

Lily: Don’t be silly girls can’t go into war

Daisy: Yes they can!

Tulip: Girls have to cook and clean all day! That’s what my father says.

Daisy: (Crosses her arms.) No! I’m not a slave! And my Dad said one day I can join the SS Storm troopers!

Lily: Maybe we can do both...

(Tulip and Ella look at each other with confused expressions)

Lily: (Whispers) maybe it is a secret. Maybe we are learning to cook so we can make poison for the enemy!

 (She pretends to choke and gag herself. The others follow suit. They all laugh uncontrollably whilst rolling on the floor of the studio. Persephone stands over them. She tries to force back her smile, trying her best not to convey any signs of amusement.)

Persephone: Now girls remember the routine we looked at last week. We will run through it this week.

(They all line up on stage stood still. They are positioned at exactly the same distance from each other, side by side. They slowly break out into their dance routine. Soft and precise movements. Their rhythmic movements coupled with their bright leotards resembled a choir of butterflies. Gracefully and freely moving through the space. Each step and hand movement complimenting the sweet music.)

Persephone: Stop! That was brilliant. We are ready to move onto the next stage girls.

(She stands in front of them group with a big grin on her face. Her posture is firm and assertive, both hands on her hips.)

Persephone: Remember last week I told you I had a surprise for you. Well next week we will finally perform the routine in front of an audience.

Tulip: We are going to be famous!

Persephone: (Grinning) Now don’t get carried away.

Tulip: Daisy, do you still want to be a soldier?

Daisy: Noooooo!

(They all gather around Daisy jumping up and down with enthusiasm. Suddenly Tulip breaks away from the group and embraces Persephone who returns the gesture. Tears are rolling down Tulip’s cheek. In all the euphoria Daisy notices the tears)

Daisy: Aww don’t cry Tulip. Why are you always crying (Daisy rolls her eyes.)

Persephone shoots a foul look at Daisy who immediately covers her face in shame.)

Sometimes when people are happy they cry tears of joy. They are so happy that they cry.

(Daisy screws up her face in confusion, she opens up her mouth to argue with her mother who gives her another stern look. Tulip’s mother comes into the room unnoticed. She is standing there looking at her daughter who is clinging onto Persephone. Persephone’s eyes also begin to well up with tears but she holds them back.)

Rose: Come along Tulip, we must go. You know your father does not like us out past supper time.

(Tulip eventually releases her grip of Persephone. She picks up her bags. At this point she is no longer fighting her tears. They are streaming down her face. She walks over to her waiting mother. Tears of sorrow rolling freely down her face. Rose’s skin tone was pale. Her sunken cheeks and lifeless eyes displayed exhaustion and depression.)

Persephone: Would you come over for supper? We have more than enough food.

(Rose turns away shaking her head. She puts her arm around her daughter. Her sleeve rolls up revealing a long scar. Persephone’s eyes widen at the sight of the scar. Rose is oblivious to Persephone’s reaction and continues to the door with her daughter)

Tulip: Goodbye everyone.

Scene 4

(Samson is seated by the window by the front door. His eyes blank yet he looks deep in thought. He pulls out two scrunched up pieces of paper and begins reading)

Dear Lover,

                   I fear that this may not work, I fear that the war is changing me for the worse. We set fire to Warsaw yesterday; I watched their naked bodies being cooked. Warsaw got burnt down to the ground. We laid waste to my grandmother’s old village. I wanted to disappear in the fire, I deserve to be punished for punishing these people. I wish we ran away when we had the chance my love! We could have had a fresh start! I don’t know if I will come back and look after my own child with he or she arrives. How can I hold my own child and look in their face. Knowing what I have done and witnessed? The wind from the West carry whispers! They say that the British and Americans are gathering men! Men and machinery twice as much as ours. If they don’t get us first I may have to take my own life.

Dear Samson,

                      My beloved, please hear my words. Hitler has been laughing at the reports of increased numbers. Who dares to go against our leader? This is not David versus Goliath. This is not good versus evil. There is only the desire to claim what is ours. You are building a future for our children. Our children must not grow up in fear of other nations. They must be able to walk upright with confidence. You are the road to this future I foresee. Be the lion, the champion you are! Come back home to me in Glory and honour!

 

(Daisy and her mother are skipping to the house. Samson is sitting at the window, as if awaiting their arrival. Persephone notices Samson swiftly pulling the curtain back. Daisy however doesn’t notice anything. She is stroking some of the flowers in front of the house. She pulls a sun flower out of the patch and strokes the petals. She proceeds to pull out another but her mother abruptly interrupts.)

Persephone: Ohh, you mustn't break up the family now my sweet.

Daisy: Sorry mother, but they are just so pretty. I like that one. I think that is the mother of them all. Pretty like you!

Persephone: (Grins) Maybe she is the mother. But if the mother is pulled out then the rest of the flowers will wilt and become nothing. So you have to handle her with care.

Daisy: I will water the as usual. Sun, water and a kiss. (She kisses her mother tenderly on the cheek.)

(As soon as Persephone opens the front door Daisy shoots up the stairs to her bedroom. Persephone goes to the cooler and pours herself a glass of water. Her hand is trembling. She is sweating heavily and pacing up and down the room. Circling the room, straightening cutlery and aligning the curtains correctly. She gulps down the glass of water. She goes to re fill the glass of water, as she reaches out it slips out of her hand and shatters to the floor. She jumps back in shock, and lets out an ear piercing shriek. She walks over to clear up the mess. With each stroke of the broom her trembling increases. She looks to the window and notices a group of pigeons have appeared on the window ledge. She motions backwards and smashes another glass on the floor. Her hand is cut and is now bleeding profusely. The blood stains her white blouse. She wraps her hand in a bandage, which immediately helps to stop the flow of blood. She walks up the stairs fearfully as if she is being led to the gallows. As she opens the door Samson is sitting on the edge of the chair, studying her as she enters the room. He is positioned as a snake getting ready to attack its prey. There is an empty bottle of gin on the dresser next to the ash tray. He had been drinking heavily, the room reeked of alcohol. They stare at each other from across the room. Looking into the depths of their souls. Almost as if it had been the first time they had seen each other, but almost as if this could be the last time they will ever see each other. She looks down at her feet and shuffle’s uncomfortably trying to avoid eye contact.)

Samson: These are fresh cigars from Cuba. They had been imported to us whilst we fought on the front line.

(Persephone doesn’t move an inch.)

Samson: Hitler felt that we deserved it for our valiant efforts (Hiccups.) I was one of his right hand men. He trusted me with the lives of the soldiers, with the lives of his people. Do you trust me my love?

(He walks towards her and begins to softly stroke her hair.)

Samson: (Whispers in her ear.) Do you trust me? (Sniffs her neck.) You wore this sweet smelling fragrance on our wedding night. This came straight from the far Middle East. A place of great mystery. Some say savagery. (Gnashes his teeth.)

Persephone: (Voice trembling.) Yes, I believe your cousins gave it to me as a wedding gift.

Samson: (Exclaims.) Oh Yes! How could I forget Frank and Gloria! How I miss them so deeply. Frank lacked the discipline and managed to escape the clutches of the war, he never had any spine. War is for the wolves not for the cats. But he was a funny character, always the life and soul of the party. He got everyone off their feet, laughing and dancing.

(He takes her hand clumsily and uses his free hand to hold her waist. He leads her in some sort of ballroom dance. She bites her lip as he stamps on her foot without noticing. She lets him continue to lead her in a poor attempt to dance.)

Samson: (Releases her and sinks back into the chair he was in. He curls up in a foetal position. Tears streaming down his face.) Do you still...love me? My love? Do you have faith in me? Do you still adore me like you did before the war? You think I’m a monster? I’ve seen how you look at me when I enter the house! This is a terrible nightmare that you just want to wake up from isn’t it?

(She walks towards Samson and cradles his head in her bosom. They both sob together.)

Persephone: You are a brave man Samson. You have seen some terrible things. Don’t be so harsh on yourself. (She hums softly. Samson rears his head and begins to kiss her, she pulls away.)

Samson : Am I no longer desirable?

Persephone: Just not tonight.

Samson: Why...not...tonight? (He tries to kiss her again. She moves away.)

Persephone: (Whimpers.) Please Samson.

(He springs from his position and lands on his feet. He is shaking with rage. He grabs her hair and she lets out a wail. Sounds of sirens can be heard in the background.)

Scene 5

Commander: What are you waiting for?! The Fuhrer commands extermination of all the Jews. Our duty is to terminate the entire race!

(Samson has the rifle held above his head. The nozzle of the gun held onto the old man’s forehead. His hand is not steady. He is sweating copiously, every inch of his body is overcome with sheer terror. He is shaking in fear.)

Samson: Surely there must be another way we can honour...

Commander: This is an old man! Put him out of his misery, give him a quick death! Not that he deserves it. (He spits at the old man. Despite the gun being pressed at his head and the cries of the child next to him, he remains calm.)

Old Man: My brother, you are not a killer. You don’t have to...

(Commander pushes in front of Samson and slaps the old man’s face.)

Commander: Never refer to us as brethren! You are scum! You have been plotting to overthrow our people for years!

Old Man: (Smiling.) We have nothing to overthrow, before you brought us here I had my own business selling flowers out of a cart. Samson, have mercy.

(The child seated beside him, roughly 5 years old is crying and screaming. Samson uses his free hand to cover his ears. The noise being unbearable.)

Commander: IF you do not kill this old dirt bag, I will have to report this as an act of treason! Treason is punishable by...

(A bomb is heard outside followed by sirens. The child begins to scream even louder.)

Commander: Can you hear that music? I can dance to it. The music of sure victory.

Old Man: Please!

Commander: (Shouting.) That’s it! I’ve had enough! He is killing the party. Samson!

(Another bomb is heard exploding, the child screams even louder. Samson slowly pulls the rifle off the Old Man’s heard and turns it to the child. Pulling back on the trigger. Everything seems to go into slow motion as he turns the rifle back to the old man and squeeze the trigger again. The room is stained with new fresh blood. Samson looks sickly at he stares at his doing. The Commander slaps him on his back as a token of his approval.)

Commander: This is what the war is about. You have to do a few ugly things before you are considered a real hero.

(Samson wakes up in his bed in a cold sweat. He is seeing double. He can see the blurred outline of Persephone as she stands in front of the mirror. His head is throbbing.)

Persephone: Did you have another nightmare?

(He ignores her question and slowly moves out of bed. He walks into the shower and slams the door behind him. The sound of water running could be heard from outside the room. He stays in the shower for up to two hours. Perhaps washing away the scent of death and shame on his soul. He comes out and quickly puts on his trousers. He opens a brand new pack of cigars, he carefully lights it and leaves the room. He sits in the garden puffing whilst staring into the distance.)

(Daisy bounds into the room full of energy. She rushes to her mother handing her a piece of paper.)

Daisy: Look mummy! Look I finally made it all by myself!

(Persephone smiles and lifts her onto her lap.)

Daisy: Wow! I made a paper plane! This is what Daddy was flying in the war! Look! Look! (She throws the plane and watches it soar in the air.)

 

(Samson is seated outside in the garden. He is admiring the countryside view. He inhales the cigar smoke and exhales through his nose. He takes out a scrunched up piece of paper and begins to read.)

Dear Lover,

                  This may well be the last letter I write to you. As I write this letter the guns and bombs are the instruments being played in the orchestra of destruction. It is the music I have become accustomed to. Day and night, the band play their musical extravaganza. The war does not know slumber. I only pray that I do not lose myself in the gruesome acts. But I have your love. Your sweet nectar. The banging and bursts can never drown out the joy that is left in my heart. I pray my candle burns strong. However, I fear that I am slowly sinking into the belly of the beast. This is what Joanh must have felt like! Yes! I am Jonah! My love, I have come into the war a pure man, but I am turning. Tossed and turned like these uncertain waters. Please be the strong sail that steadies my ship. Keep laughing and pray for me. You are my only speck of hope.

Dear Samson,

                  You are my soldier. Our nation needs a whole army, I just need one solider. You are my rock! Be strong and fight the brave battle for us. I hope we can raise an army of our own haha! I laugh because I know there is hope for us, though some people would not want to see our love bloom, it is written in the stars. We have heard about your triumphs, they heavily outweigh the losses. Please come back home to us!

(Samson exhales a heavy cloud of smoke into the air. He looks into the house and can see Daisy’s playing with Persephone. A tear rolls down his eye.)

Scene 6

(Samson is seated on the left sofa of the living room. Daisy is seated in the middle playing with her toys. Persephone knitting a jumper for Daisy. She is applying the finishing touches to the flower on the centre of the jumper. She smiles at her work. She timidly looks up towards Samson who remains stern faced.)

Samson: Goodnight Daisy

Daisy: I’m not tired. (She yawns.)

(Samson and Persephone both chuckle at the same time. Their eyes meet momentarily. Persephone turns away. Samson jumps up and sweeps up Daisy in his broad arms and marches up the steps. Persephone gets up and advances to the kitchen. The kitchen is in pristine condition yet she collects all of the cleaning products from under the sink. Samson marches back down the stairs. He re-enters the room clutching a bottle of whisky. A glass Persephone is holding slips from her hand and smashes on the floor.)

Samson: Persephone! Domestic Goddess! Goddess of the kitchen! You are destroying your palace! (He grins menacingly. He holds up his bottle towards the light and smiles. A dark shadow flickers across his face.) This is the strongest whisky, another present from The Fuhrer. It soothes the soul, blocks out noise and all other things on the battle field. It’s a shame it can’t block out the noise your making at this time. You will wake up our daughter, and she will not go back to sleep in a hurry.

Persephone: I’m sorry but I must try to make this house as clean as possible.

Samson: Why? Are we expecting any visitors? Or were you planning to sneak in the mail boy from up the road? I heard he’s part Jewish ha ha! You want to be defiled by a filthy jew?

(Persephone grimaces, and proceeds to scrub the floor. He stands over her drinking the whisky.)

Samson: What is it about women and being on their knees ha ha! Either on their knees or lying on their back! Is this what you did whilst I was away? Is this what I fought for?

(She continues to scrub harder. Tears are flowing freely down her face)

Maybe I should have…

Persephone: Perhaps you have had too much to drink. Perhaps

Samson: (Mimicking her voice.) Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps! Haha! Perhaps I should clean the light bulb, or wipe the windows. (Belches) You know nothing about duties! I followed real orders…and…

(Persephone sprints up the stairs to the bedroom. Her hands covering her face, tears streaming down her face. She opens the draw and finds pictures of her, Daisy and Samson. She stares and the image and smiles. The pictures have soothed her erratic state. She sits on the edge of the bed and holds the picture to her chest. She wipes some of her tears. She looks up and notices some papers sticking out of the drawer. She advances towards the drawer and sets the picture on top of it. Her curiosity is heightened. Pulling out the paper slowly and begins to read.)

Dear Samson,

                       Samson I have joyful news for you. You have a beautiful baby! She is strong and healthy! Labour was difficult, it took a while but we got there in the end. I was brave for you like you have been brave for us. The doctors said that we wouldn’t make it but in the end it was worth it. She has awesome lung power, she made quite some noise in the delivery room. Thank God! Hitler has worked to give us the best quality doctors available. His efforts, like your own will lead us to glory. You too will deliver us! Her cries with cries of pain mixed with glory! It was the most difficult thing I have had to do. Watching Persephone give birth. It pains me watch my sister give birth to your child and not our child Samson. Though I love you deeply, I am feeling like I am losing myself. I feel like I am sinking and swirling in a whirlpool of love. I am torn between me love for you and loyalty to my sister. Your infectious love has bewitched me, I must break the spell that chains us together. I cannot watch you raise a home together. She must never find out what we had, she loves you dearly. But she will never love you as much as I did.

                                                                         Goodbye my lover.

(She reads through the letter 3more times, her hands trembling at each word. Her face is contorted with rage and confusion. Her knuckles have turned chalk white. Her whole body is shaking furiously. She turns to the door and walks down the doors slowly, with a heavy plonk on each step. She enters the living room where Samson is casually puffing a cigar, a thick layer of smoke hovers in the air. He brushes fragments of tobacco onto the floor. Samson coughs and laughs at what could only have been a private joke. He drinks the remains of the whisky and smacks his lips. He removes his vest and slings it onto the sofa at the other side of the room. He turns to see his wife standing at the door. He shuffles backwards in shock at her sudden appearance.)

Samson: How long have you been standing there?

(Persephone remains silent. Her anger now become increasingly obvious. He notices her hands are quivering. He notices the piece of paper between her hands. He smirks)

Samson: God has blessed me with a wife that can read! Manna has come down from heaven!

(Persephone remains silent staring.)

Samson: What document is that?  Are you tired being queen of your kingdom? Tell me, have you found a more challenging job than waiting for me to come home with food from the jungle? What you fail to realise is that I am king of this jungle. I am one of the kings of this great nation. Even in defeat I am a king. We fought on the battle field day and night. We lost many lives, but we were sure to take many of the enemies’ lives as well. We made an oath. (He puts his hand on his chest.) I swear by God, I will always serve the Fuhrer, the Fuhrer of the German people. I am always ready to lay down my life for this oath.

Persephone: I may not know much about murderous oaths but I know a lot about true loyalty and dignity. Something you clearly know nothing about!

Samson: We bled on the battlefield, what is the meaning…

Persephone: (Laughs.) You speak of greatness and tradition but you are brain washed. You have a warped view of what true love and loyalty is. This letter from your lover proves it! You’re a liar and a cheat! (She scrunches up the paper and launches it at him. He catches it and scans through briefly.)

Persephone: Struggle is not staring death in the face. Bravery is not fighting on the battlefield. Honour is certainly not killing innocent Jews.

(Samson winces at this comment.)

Persephone: When you decided to go you, left me here pregnant, on my own, I had to maintain everything with scraps. I did what I had to do to stay on my feet. You did not write home to us to see how we were. No kind words of encouragement. But instead you were writing to my sister! Your daughter thinks you’re a hero! I knew you were no hero, but your actually a tyrant. Before this apocalypse you were a delightful husband. Sweet and caring! We waited patiently for you to come home and rescue us. I turned down a dozen suitors, telling me my husband would perish. Mighty Samson was a deluded fool going into the war. But I told them you were my hero. (She smiles and laughs.) The man I live for. Out of all the flowers in the garden he choose me. He strengthened my root and stem. But it was all an illusion. You came from beneath me like a disease. Your weeds strangled and blinded me to what you really were.

(Whilst Samson stares at the letter, Persephone slowly retrieves a blade from the bun in her hair. He doesn’t notice that she is now slowly twisting the blade in between her fingers. Her eyes focused on her new prey. She is no longer shaking. Her eyes shift to the blade, the rotating movements seem to have her entranced. Samson wipes the sweat from his brow and notices the blade. He suddenly becomes alert and exits his former perplexed state.)

Samson: Persephone, we don’t want to do anything silly now do we?

Persephone: The curtains are drawn, now it is time for me to give you a taste of your own medicine. Your years of terror must come to an end.

(They are staring at each other in the eyes. Both bodies tensed up, ready to pounce. Samson’s physical presence becomes more dominant every second. Veins pulsating from his fore arms up to his shoulders. However, Persephone is not intimidated by his presence. Rage has over ridden any fear which previously existed. She quickly launches herself at him like a cat wielding the blade at him. She just misses the side of his face. He grabs her wrist in mid-air. She maintains a strong grip on her blade. She uses her left hand to scratch the side of his face. He lets out a loud roar.)

Samson: Ahhh!

(She launches herself at him again, swinging the blade recklessly. Their arms clash in mid-air and the blade falls to the ground. She dives toward the fall blade but Samson trips her legs and falls on her back. As she attempts to rise up Samson gives her an almighty blow. She squeals in pain, he stands over her ready to strike her again.)

Samson: They taught us in the army that one must not start something and fail to finish it. Approach every task with diligence and efficiency. (His eyes were gleaming with malice.) We close out any threat to the Fuhrer and his nation. We made an oath that anyone who tries to destroy our pride, our nation or our men must be eliminated. (He looks up and sees Daisy staring at him with her eyes wide open.)

Lights Fade

Scene 7

(Persephone is curled on the sofa in a foetal position. Her eyes slowly open. She is greeted by pots and pans scattered all over the floor. The water from the tap is splashing into the sink. The wind is slapping the half open window, causing it to make an eerie creaking sound. A burst pipe whistling. The atmosphere is solemn. Persephone stands over the mess. She looks over at the table in the kitchen and sees two letters. Both folded like aeroplanes. One big and one small. Daisy looks over her shoulder to see Daisy walking slowly towards her. She is clutching a toy soldier close to her chest. Persephone picks up the big letter first.)

Persephone,

                   You were right. The war has changed me for the worse. But I managed to learn a many things. The world is black and white, hot or cold, kill or be killed. We were trained to injure without second thought, murder without second thought. Since I have been back I have turned my back on my ways. I have started to delay decisions. I have lost my guile and tenacity for removing things blocking my progress. Well today I have made my choice. I have left to join my true love. For too long I have felt like a bear with its leg caught in a snare. I would love to take my beloved cub with me, but she has your eyes. Every time I look into her eyes it reminds me of the trap that you left for me. So I will leave her in your care. The Queen of this wretched facade. Enjoy the rest of your days in the world you created!

My Sweet Daisy,

                            Daddy loves you so much! I have to go back to the war and fly the planes. I will be home soon. Make sure you water the flowers for me. Be a brave girl for Daddy. Xxx

Daisy: (Throws the toy soldier away.) I don’t like Daddy anymore.

Lights Fade

Scene 8

(Persephone is sitting in the middle of the kitchen. The radio is playing, but it keeps cutting between words and static. Some kind of news report is being played. Her whole demeanour is lifeless. A ladle is held in one hand and a pot held in the other. The kitchen is in perfect condition. Everything is in place. The dishes are washed and placed neatly on the rack. Two plates are set on the table. She rises to her feet and walks outside the house to the flower patch at the front porch, she scoops up the mud and flowers and dumps them into the pot. She fills it to the top. She turns back to the house and walks into the kitchen.)

Persephone: Come down for supper!

Daisy: Coming Mummy!

(She bounds into the room clutching a rag doll. She sits at the table.)

Daisy: What are we having?

(Persephone does not reply and proceeds to scoop the mud onto her plate. Daisy winces at the sound of the ladle clanging with the plate. Persephone continues to heap dirt onto both of their plates. The dirt crumbles of the plates and onto the table. Daisy’s eyes well up with tears at the sight of her mother.)

Daisy: Mummy! Please say something to me. Are you ok?

(Daisy runs up stairs crying. Persephone opens the cupboard underneath the sink and takes out a rope. She holds it in her hand. She strokes the material, and holds it up to the flickering light in the kitchen. She takes a deep breath and steadily steps on top of the chair and then onto the table. She ties the rope to the pipe on top of the ceiling and ties the bottom of the rope around her neck. She takes a final look around the room and slides her feet off the edge of the table. The rope gracefully suspends her body in the air as she slowly loses her breath.)

Radio: The truth is no matter how war is painted, it is folly! It is 99% destruction and 1% justice. Who wins the war? It is deception. In reality the ‘heroes are actually the villains. The men put on their uniform, puff out the chest and march into distant lands. Haha! Is this honour? Is this justice? The essence of war is annihilation, which spreads from the battle field across the country and into our schools and ours homes.

(Daisy walks back into the room and sees at her dead mother’s body hanging from the ceiling.)

Lights Fade