Young Writers Society

A room. Alice is standing in front of the mirror.

Alice: (sighing) Do I look beautiful?

No reply.

Alice: Adam, I asked you something. Will you please reply?

No reply.

Alice: Adam! (shouting) Do I look beautiful or not? [door opens]

Adam stumbles on his way in. Disturbs a chair placed beside Alice.

Alice: Oh! What happen? Are you all right?

Adam: Yes, everything's alright. Hope nothing is broken. (laughs)

Alice: What do you mean nothing is broken. Can't you see?

Adam: Oh! Yes I can. (Smiles) So, what my highness is up to?

Alice: Nothing, just standing in front of the mirror. Tonight we have a party to attend, remember?

Adam: Oh, Yes! I almost forgot. (smiles) So, are you ready?

Alice: Adam, can't you see? It is just daylight. [draws the curtain]

Alice: You see, (closing her eyes) the sunlight on my face?

Adam: Yes I do. (laughs) You are mad. So, what now?

Alice: Adam?

Adam: Yes. (smiles)

Alice: Do you love me?

Adam: Yes, I do. Why? (laughs)

Alice: Nothing, just asked. Am I beautiful?

Adam: (Adam sighs.) Yes, you are very beautiful.

Alice: Why, you don't sound happy. Am I not beautiful?

Adam: (laughs) What do you think? [fidgets]

Alice: You know I can't. Can't you see and tell?

Adam: What, you can't think? (laughs dryly)

Alice: Stop it! (pulling a long face) you don't love me, right?

Adam: Of course I do. (trying to hug her) I do. (says sotto voce)

Alice: (tears trickling down from her eyes) Oh, Adam! I love you so much.

[Violent knocks on the door]

Alice: Who might that be? (in a scared tone)

Adam: I don't know. Will you go and see?

Alice: Why? Can't you see?

Adam: Ok.

Adam stumbles on his way out. A door opens. A struggle starts. Someone groans.

Alice: Who is it, Adam? [Door closes]

A thief enters the room holding a knife. Blood is dripping from the knife

Thief: Hand over whatever you have got.

Alice: Oh, no! Please don't hurt us. Take whatever you need. [Runs]

Alice bumps into a wall.

Thief: What luck! (looking at the dressing table)

He takes all the jewelleries and rushes out of the door.

A door slams outside. Silence follows.

Alice: (Shouting) Adam? Adam?

Adam groans.

Alice: Adam. What happened? (crying)

Adam crawls inside the room. Blood coming out his stomach.

Alice: (groping) What happened Adam? [Stumbles on his body]

Adam: Alice. (stretching out his hand) Alice.

Alice: (Holding his hand) Oh, Adam! [Feels his stomach]

Adam: I love you Alice. You are beautiful (smiles)

Alice: I love you too Adam. (crying)

Adam: Don't cry my love. Smile. The darkness is gone.

Alice: What are you talking about Adam? Please don't say such things. You are my light. I won't let you die. [tries to get up]

Adam: (pulling her down) Please don't leave me Alice. Hold me till my last breath.(smiles)

Alice: I won't let you die Adam. Tell me where is the phone. Which way should I go?

Adam: I don't know.(crying) Can't you see Alice?

Alice: Can't you see Adam?

Adam loose his hold on her hand. Closes his eyes. Alice sits there holding him on her arms.

[Draws curtain]

By- Arnav