One page intermission

Red Right Hand has issued a call for one page written in the last year. We writer types are supposed to supply it as is, without context or other comment. Here's a small piece of "72 Virgins" - which, by the way, has attracted the interest of Robert the director.

Franco and Bassil glare at each other.

HAVAH

I can’t leave.

Julia looks sadly at Havah. Julia rubs Havah’s arm.

HAVAH

I can’t go through the door. My children need me. I will not leave them.

JULIA

Maybe they’ve...left before you.

HAVAH

If I pass and find them there, it will tear my soul in two.

JULIA

You can’t undo what’s happened, Havah. Whether your children are alive or not, you can’t change that.

HAVAH

But if they’re not.... My faith ignores the issue of an afterlife. If I go through that door, maybe that’s all.

JULIA

We’re all here, so there’s some sort of afterlife.

HAVAH

Maybe, maybe not. You saw me in the hospital. I’m not dead yet.

Julia chokes back emotion.

JULIA

Havah....

Julia prepares herself with a deep breath.

JULIA

Havah, staying here won’t bring your kids back. You don’t want to be stuck here forever. If you go through, and they’re alive, maybe you can watch over them. You know, like a guardian angel.

Havah holds her head in her hands as if to block out Julia’s comments.

JULIA

You might still be able to care for them that way.

Bonus procrastination:

Still plugging away at course work. "Flyboys" by the end of the week, maybe.