Act l Scene IV - Different Worlds
297 Words
Setting: A small but classy restaurant in Osogbo. Soft music plays in the background. Customers chat quietly while waiters move from table to table.
(At rise, Bella enters wearing sunglasses. She looks around before walking to a corner table where a well-dressed man in his early forties is already seated.)
MR. KOLA: You're twenty minutes late.
BELLA: (Sitting down.) And yet you waited.
MR. KOLA: I didn't have a choice.
BELLA: Everybody has a choice.
MR. KOLA: (Smiling.) You're different.
BELLA: That's what they all say.
(A waiter approaches.)
WAITER: Good afternoon, sir. Good afternoon, ma'am. What would you like to order?
MR. KOLA: I'll have jollof rice and grilled fish.
BELLA: Just orange juice.
WAITER: Alright, sir.
(The waiter leaves.)
MR. KOLA: You don't look happy today.
BELLA: I didn't come here to talk about my feelings.
MR. KOLA: Then why did you come?
BELLA: Because you insisted.
(There is a brief silence.)
MR. KOLA: I can help you, Bella.
BELLA: Help me with what?
MR. KOLA: Money... a better life... anything you want.
BELLA: (Leaning back.) Nothing is ever free.
MR. KOLA: You're smarter than most people think.
BELLA: That's because most people don't think.
(Her phone vibrates. She glances at the screen and immediately rejects the call.)
MR. KOLA: Your family?
BELLA: No.
MR. KOLA: Whoever it is, they seem persistent.
BELLA: Some people don't know when to stop calling.
(The waiter returns with their order.)
WAITER: Enjoy your meal.
(Bella stirs her drink absentmindedly.)
MR. KOLA: Tell me something.
BELLA: What?
MR. KOLA: Why do you always look like you're carrying the weight of the world?
(Bella goes quiet.)
BELLA: Because some burdens don't disappear... no matter how far you run from them.
(Mr. Kola studies her face but says nothing.)
LIGHTS DIM.
- Writer
