Act ll Scene II – The Heart Of Grace
446 Words
Setting: A busy community market. Traders advertise their goods while customers bargain. Mrs. Adeyemi and Grace walk through the market carrying shopping bags.
(At rise, Mrs. Adeyemi stops at a vegetable stall. Grace stands beside her, smiling politely.)
TRADER: Welcome, Mama Adeyemi! Welcome, Grace!
MRS. ADEYEMI: Good afternoon. How much is a basket of tomatoes?
TRADER: ₦7,500.
MRS. ADEYEMI: ₦7,500? For tomatoes? Are they imported from heaven?
(The nearby traders laugh.)
TRADER: Mama, everything is expensive now.
MRS. ADEYEMI: Don't tell me stories. Reduce the price.
(After a little bargaining, the trader agrees. Grace helps pack the tomatoes.)
TRADER: Thank you for buying from me.
MRS. ADEYEMI: My change.
(The trader hands her the money.)
Mrs. Adeyemi counts it immediately.
Her face changes.
MRS. ADEYEMI: The money is not complete!
TRADER: No, Mama. I counted it well.
MRS. ADEYEMI: Are you calling me a liar?
(People begin gathering.)
TRADER: I'm not, but—
MRS. ADEYEMI: Count it now?
(The atmosphere becomes tense.)
Grace gently steps forward.
GRACE: Mum... may I see the money?
MRS. ADEYEMI: Here.
(Grace carefully recounts the notes.)
She pauses.
Then smiles.
GRACE: Mum... the money is complete.
(Mrs. Adeyemi looks surprised.)
MRS. ADEYEMI: Let me see.
(She recounts it herself.)
A brief silence.
MRS. ADEYEMI: Hmm... I must have counted too fast.
TRADER: It's alright
GRACE: I'm sorry for the misunderstanding.
TRADER: Don't worry, my daughter.
(The crowd slowly disperses.)
ELDERLY CUSTOMER: Grace...
GRACE: Yes, Mama?
ELDERLY CUSTOMER: Your kindness is a rare gift. Never lose it.
GRACE: Thank you, Mama.
(Mrs. Adeyemi picks up her shopping bag.)
MRS. ADEYEMI: Come on. We still have more things to buy.
(They begin walking.)
MRS. ADEYEMI: Grace...
GRACE: Yes, Mum?
MRS. ADEYEMI: You're too soft. One day, people will take advantage of that heart of yours.
GRACE: Maybe... Or maybe they'll remember someone showed them kindness when they needed it most.
(Mrs. Adeyemi glances at her.)
MRS. ADEYEMI: You definitely didn't inherit that from me.
(Grace laughs.)
GRACE: No...
I got it from Daddy.
(Mrs. Adeyemi tries to hide a smile.)
MRS. ADEYEMI: That man has spoiled all of you.
(They both laugh as they continue walking.)
Unknown to them...
A man standing across the road watches Grace carefully.
He reaches into his pocket and takes out his phone.
Without taking his eyes off her, he speaks quietly.
MYSTERIOUS MAN: Yes...
I've found her.
(He ends the call and disappears into the crowd.)
Grace turns suddenly, as though she sensed someone watching.
She sees nothing.
GRACE: Strange...
MRS. ADEYEMI: Are you coming or do you want to sleep in the market?
GRACE: (Smiling.) I'm coming, Mum.
(They walk off together.)
LIGHTS FADE.
- Writer
