Act l Scene VI – The One Who Listens
312 Words
Setting: A busy community market. Traders call out to customers as people move from one stall to another. Grace has come to buy the items her mother requested.
(At rise, Grace walks from stall to stall with a shopping basket.)
MAMA TITI: Ah, Grace! You're back already.
GRACE: (Smiling.) Yes, Mama. Mum sent me for tomatoes, pepper, onions and palm oil.
MAMA TITI: Your mother doesn't joke with cooking.
GRACE: She says an empty pot can't feed a family.
(They both laugh.)
MAMA TITI: Here, pick the fresh ones yourself.
(Grace begins selecting tomatoes.)
An elderly woman nearby struggles to carry a heavy basket.
Grace notices immediately.
GRACE: Mama, let me help you.
ELDERLY WOMAN: God bless you, my daughter. These old bones aren't as strong as they used to be.
(Grace lifts the basket and walks with her to another stall.)
ELDERLY WOMAN: You're Deacon Adeyemi's daughter, aren't you?
GRACE: Yes, Mama.
ELDERLY WOMAN: You're a good child. Your parents must be proud of you.
GRACE: Thank you, Mama.
(The elderly woman smiles and leaves.)
As Grace returns, she hears two traders talking quietly.
TRADER 1: Did you hear what happened at Oke-Ayo years ago?
TRADER 2: Which one?
TRADER 1: They said a family disappeared after someone died mysteriously.
TRADER 2: Hmm... people still whisper about that matter.
TRADER 1: Some secrets never stay buried.
(Grace pauses for a moment, listening, but says nothing. The traders notice her and immediately change the subject.)
TRADER 2: Ah! Grace, you're here. Come and buy fresh onions.
GRACE: (Smiling politely.) Maybe next time.
(She pays Mama Titi for the groceries.)
MAMA TITI: Tell your mother I greeted her.
GRACE: I will.
(Grace picks up her shopping basket and begins walking home. She glances back once at the traders, wondering why they suddenly became quiet.)
GRACE: (Softly to herself.) Strange...
(She exits.)
LIGHTS FADE.
- Writer
