Copyright (c) 2020
frankebii@aucegypt.edu
INT. DAY - A DIMLY LIT STUDIO
APARTMENT
MARIAM, a diminutive and slightly
built 30-something female, who
passes for 20-something, stands
toward the back of the stage in
front of a dresser with a larger
mirror. Her back is to the audience,
but her face is reflected in the
mirror so the audience can see her.
She inspects a mobile phone. The
light from the phone's display
illuminates her face. She reads a
message from her phone out-loud in a
soliloquy.
MARIAM
Nour, looking back it is obvious. But while I felt I was
living in the moment, it never occurred to me. (BEAT) How
could it? I never stopped to think, ruminate or ponder. I
just kept going...moving to my next fascination...and they
always came quickly, like flipping channels on a television.
MARIAM looks away from the phone,
but not directly into the mirror
MARIAM
Ughhhh-Oh my god, what've I done!?
MARIAM sighs, looks up at herself in
the mirror and cringes. Her
attention returns to the phone. She
continues reading out-loud.
MARIAM
Fucking hell, how we'd get here? I know I shouldn't have said
anything to you last week. (BEAT) It seems like yesterday I
was hopeful, everything before me made sense and I was
tenacious (BEAT) Now I drown in anxiety. (BEAT) This
goddamned isolation, which I so craved has metastasized into
a burdensome presence that won't allow me to ignore myself
any longer. (BEAT) I miss you. (BEAT) I took you for granted
because I loved your company when I needed it. (BEAT) I know
I was wrong, but I need you more than ever.
MARIAM looks at herself in the
mirror and speaks directly to
herself.
MARIAM
Oh MY GAWD'MARIAM! What did'you do? And why isn't Nour
writing back? Its been at least five minutes (BEAT) and seems
like forever.
MARIAM looks away from the mirror
and walks over to an end table in
the darkened corner of the
apartment. She puts down the phone,
plugs it into a charger and
continues to speak aloud.
MARIAM
Mariam, you gotta stop re-reading the message (BEAT) and
us back...
MARIAM lays on a couch and picks up
the television remote. She snaps on
the TV.
MARIAM
(dejected)
...or they won't.
MARIAM stares at the television
screen while continuously flipping
through channels. A few moments
pass.
The mobile phone dings and
illuminates the darkened corner of
the room. MARIAM sits up and inhales
excitedly. In one motion, she mutes
the television and sets down the
remote. The channel remains on NILE
TV. Two individuals on a "talk show"
continuously talk over and, at
times, become animated while yelling
at each other.
MARIAM
(joyful exuberance)
Nour!
MARIAM races to the other side of
the room. The warm glow from the
phone once again illuminates
MARIAM's face as she inspects the
message.
MARIAM
(dejected)
Dammit, just Majd. Why hasn't my light written back? Its been
like a hour!
A moment passes as MARIAM inspect
Majd's message more closely, then
laughs hysterically. MARIAM directly
addresses the audience and holds the
phone up. She speaks directly to the
audience while interrupting herself
with momentary fits of laughter.
MARIAM
I really wish you could see this...it's like the funniest
damn thing I have ever seen...memes can be such an effective
cure for boredom (BEAT) and can cut right to the heart of an
issue.
MARIAM pulls the phone down to
inspect the contents.
MARIAM
Here, I'll describe it.
MARIAM begins speaking, at times
laughter interrupts her soliloquy.
MARIAM
It's a photo of someone non-descriptively waving hello or
goodbye to a bunch of friends at a party (BEAT) maybe a
Shabka. Everyone is obviously delighted by the main
character's presence. A thought bubble above the main
character's says, "I'm not going, but I still want to be
invited!"
MARIAM's laughter trails off as she
becomes somber.
MARIAM
These things (shaking the phone). Reinforcing machines of
indoctrination (BEAT) we never saw it coming (BEAT) a freight
train of ritualistic patterning that flattened society long
ago (BEAT) the cultural habituation of zombie-like behavior
that I now loath with every fiber of my being (BEAT) Yet, it
triggers fits of laughter, overwhelming emotions of joy
(VOICE RISING) and somehow makes me feel connected to someone
who is not even here EVERY GODDAMNED TIME IT DINGS!
MARIAM feigns slamming down the
phone.
MARIAM
FUCK YOU!
In a fit or rage MARIAM throws the
phone against the wall. MARIAM
briefly stands motionless, then
rushes over and falls to her knees
to inspect the broken phone.
MARIAM
(Wailing)
OHHHHHH No-N-NAH-N-NOOOOOOO!
MARIAM holds the phone up and
continuously tries to power it on to
no avail.
MARIAM
Fucking fuck, what the fuck is wrong with you! Yo'fucking
idiot! MOM WAS RIGHT! You're useless! (BEAT) A FUCKING MORON!
A loud knock from the other side of
the wall cuts off MARIAM's rant. She
looks up in shock.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(a voice emanates
from the other side
of the wall)
Hey! The hell is going on over there!?
Stunned by the unexpected intrusion,
MARIAM sits silently.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
Hey, I'm talking to you! What's up basha? We're all adjusting
to this new normal!
MARIAM
Sorry mam. I (BEAT) I just, I just broke my phone, which is
my only connection to the outside world (BEAT) and a constant
reminder of how adept I've been at avoidance my entire life
(BEAT) and Nour hasn't written me and its been like four
hours since I messaged....
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(quizzically)
So you're avoiding Nour?
MARIAM
No, that's not what (BEAT) its just, I'm sorry. (BEAT) I lost
my cool (BEAT) my phone reminded me how adept I've been at
avoiding myself.
NEIGHBOR (V.O)
(a bit annoyed)
Whatever. (BEAT) We're all adjusting to this isolat...
MARIAM waves her broken phone around
in vain.
MARIAM
(interrupting)
This goddamned thing has constantly interrupted my entire
life with the next thrilling interpolation. (BEAT)
Procrastination. Check. (BEAT) Excuse making. Check. (BEAT)
Never following through. Check.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
...a constant interruption?
MARIAM
EXACTLY!
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(sarcastically)
No idea what you mean...
MARIAM
That reminds me of this time in college.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(sarcastically)
I guess I'm all ears.
MARIAM
A buddy of mine (BEAT) his nickname was Darsh (BEAT) produced
this somewhat viral meme.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
What viral meme?
MARIAM
It's a photo of a professor with overlaid text saying:
Interrupts his own lecture when someone quietly gets up to
leave for the restroom. To call them out on interrupting his
lecture.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(chuckling)
That's pretty damn funny...
MARIAM
(interrupting)
...it was inspired by real events, it actually happened to
us....
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(interrupting)
Us?
MARIAM
Darsh and me.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
I had a friend named Mostafa.
MARIAM
Wait, seriously?
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
Come'on, it's a pretty common name you kno...
MARIAM
(interrupting)
I wish we met sooner....
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(interrupting)
...don't be still (BEAT) we did.
MARIAM
I thought you'were, I mean, how long have you lived here?
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
Here? (BEAT) three years or so I guess.
MARIAM
(incredulous)
THREE YEARS! Are yo'serious? (BEAT) That's right around when
I moved...
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(interrupting)
In...? (BEAT) Yea, I know (BEAT) we crossed paths from time
to time (BEAT) but you never noticed...
MARIAM
(interrupting)
wait...and we'never met?
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
Nah, you always seemed intent on other things (BEAT) so I
left you alone.
MARIAM
(under her breath)
Sounds about right.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
What?
MARIAM
Nothing.
As the conversation dies off, MARIAM
walks over and opens a dresser
drawer. She frantically searches for
something.
MARIAM
You don't happen to have an old mobile phone?
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
To replace the one you just...
MARIAM
(interrupting)
Never mind!
MARIAM excitedly pulls out an old
mobile phone from the drawer. She
scrambles over and grabs the broken
phone from the floor. She
frantically pulls out the sim card
and puts into her old phone. She
tries to power on the old phone.
MARIAM
Goddammit! Battery's dead!
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
Huh?
MARIAM
Nothing, sorry (BEAT) I found an old phone but the battery's
dead. Gotta charge it (BEAT) but I'm expecting an important
message.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(uninterested)
Oh ok.
MARIAM
Yea, Nour, my best friend for like ever (BEAT) I fucked up
(BEAT) I've been waiting for what seems like forever...
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(interrupting)
Oh nice! (BEAT) My best friends and I are having an online
party tonight, we're gettin'dolled up...
MARIAM
(dejected)
Oh.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
You can join us if you want...
MARIAM
(interrupting)
Thanks (BEAT) but...I was too forward.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
What'da'ya mean? (BEAT) You weren't forward, I invited you...
MARIAM
(a bit confused)
Oh yea, thanks anyway...
MARIAM looks in the direction of the
charging phone.
MARIAM
(frustrated)
Come on Nour!
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(piqued interest)
Were you together?
MARIAM
Wait (BEAT) what'am I doing?
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(quizzically)
I thought you'were charging your phone.
MARIAM
No, I mean, I'm sharing more of myself with you, someone I
actively avoided (BEAT) and I'm opening up to you more than
anyone else (BEAT) like ever.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(uninterested again)
(yawning) guess so...
MARIAM turns to address the audience
and motions to the wall while
speaking.
MARIAM
And I don't even know their name?!
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
What? I didn't get that?
MARIAM
Nothing, I'm just saying I don't even know your name and I
avoided you before this enforced isolation (BEAT) now I am
pouring my heart out (BEAT) to a wall...
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(flippant)
seems so.
MARIAM
(interrupting)
I thought I used to love isolation (BEAT) until I was
forced...
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(interrupting)
Yup.
MARIAM
(fascinated)
Weird huh?
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(disinterested)
I'guess.
MARIAM
So what is...
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(interrupting)
OH (BEAT) MY (BEAT) GAWD!
MARIAM
What?
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
I fucking LOVE this dress!
MARIAM
Ugh. (BEAT) Seriously? (BEAT) I loath girly shit most of the
time, such an imposition (BEAT) a burden...
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(interrupting)
...if you could see this dress, you wouldn't think it an
imposition (BEAT) It (BEAT) is (BEAT) gorgie...
MARIAM
(interrupting)
What's your name?
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
You ain't gonna believe it (BEAT) Maryam.
MARIAM
Believe what? Wait how'd you know my...
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(interrupting)
My name is Maryam.
MARIAM
No shit! (BEAT) Wait (BEAT) You're messing with me?
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(sarcastic)
Messing with you? (BEAT) You're the one talking to a wall.
MARIAM
(laughing)
Guess ya got me there (BEAT) Ms. Magnuuna.
MARIAM's old phone powers to life.
The screen re-illuminates the
darkened corner of the room. Almost
immediately, multiple dings are
audibly heard, which instantly
interpolates MARIAM.
MARIAM inhales excitedly.
MARIAM
Oh my god, I knew Nour'd write!
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
Nour?
MARIAM intensely stares at the phone
as she inspects the new messages.
Distracted, MARIAM incorrectly
interrupts the neighbor's response.
Her zombie-like reply reveals how
rapt her attention is on her phone.
MARIAM
(half-heartedly)
Wait. Yer name's Nour?
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(annoyed)
No man!
MARIAM
FUCK! What the fuck!
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
WHAT?
MARIAM
Shit, sorry. Nour...
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(interrupting/
annoyed)
I just told you my name IS NOT NOUR, IT'S MARYAM.
MARIAM
(struggling to
explain)
No (BEAT) I know (BEAT) What I mean (BEAT) Shit, sorry. It's
just a message from Malak.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(quizzically annoyed)
And now who th'hell is Malak.
MARIAM
Apparently no one important.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(confused)
Guess not.
MARIAM
Actually Malak is...
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(interrupting
excitedly)
OH OH OH! Should I go wi'the Temraza or th'Kojak?
MARIAM
(puzzled)
Do'you mean Cujo, like in Stephen King the auth...
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
OH (BEAT) MY (BEAT) GAWD NO! (BEAT) I said Kojak or Temraza,
which should I wear for the party?
MARIAM addresses the audience
directly.
MARIAM
What the fuck is a Temraza?
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
What?
MARIAM
Definitely the Temraza (BEAT) obviously.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
Thought so, I think it's...
MARIAM
Gorgie?
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
SO TOTALLY!
MARIAM
Well that's taken care of...(BEAT) I just wish....
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(interrupting)
Your light would text back, yeah I know.
MARIAM
Sorry, I keep repeating myself, it's just...
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(interrupting)
Don't sweat it, we all do.
MARIAM
(under her breath)
I guess so.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
Gotta speak up! I can't hear you, it's just me, myself and I
over here!
MARIAM
Temraza, definitely.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
You know in high school, my friends called me 'Maryam Achen'
cause I talked to myself a lot.
MARIAM
That is hilarious...were they good conversations...
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(interrupting)
Dammit, the food is cold!
MARIAM
(confused)
What? (BEAT) Food...?
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
IS COLD! Yea, gabbing about nothing and I forgot about the
food (BEAT) SHIT!
MARIAM
(still confused)
Sorry.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(annoyed)
Whatever. (BEAT) It's gross, but I'll just throw it on the
burner and re-heat it.
MARIAM
That reminds me, when I was like 13 or something, I pretty
much burned down the family flat.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
Pretty much? What, with a stove?
MARIAM
Not really. (BEAT) My mom found my diary and read it (BEAT)
at the time, it felt like such an invasion of privacy.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(incredulous)
So you retaliated by burning down the flat?!
MARIAM
(chuckling)
Jesus, NO! (BEAT) but maybe I should have.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(under her breath)
Weirdo.
MARIAM
Huh?
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
Nothing (BEAT) Keep going...how'd you...
As she continues the conversation,
MARIAM takes a seat on the couch,
pulls the coffee table closer to
her. She leans over and begins
rolling a cigarette.
MARIAM
(interrupting)
...burn down the flat? (BEAT) Well, I tore out the pages from
my journal, which felt like personal memories that had been
stolen from me (BEAT) and I neatly folded them into paper
airplanes...
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(interrupting)
...and loaded them full of fuel and dived bombed the flat
like a kamikaze?
MARIAM
(chuckling)
Not a bad thought, but no. (BEAT) I had this grand idea
(BEAT) I lit a candle.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(interrupting)
...and you threw the paper airplanes at the candle!?
MARIAM
(shocked)
Yea (BEAT) How'd you...
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(interrupting)
Oh shit! Seriously?! (BEAT) Wait, what'd you think? Smokey
eye or just a pop of color?
MARIAM
Not my finest moment.
MARIAM lights the cigarette and
takes a long drag.
MARIAM
(exhaling smoke)
Smokey eyes sounds delicious.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
So then what happened?
MARIAM
Oh yea, so, I finally hit the mark after trying for about 30
minutes or so (BEAT) and bingo (BEAT) the plane full of
stolen memories ignited...
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(interrupting)
Oh shit! Then...
MARIAM
(interrupting)
...the fiery paper airplane maintained its aerodynamic
capability and floated (BEAT) that is until it landed on the
curtains, which went up surprisingly fast.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
Holy shit! And then the flat! Was anyone hurt?
MARIAM
Not necessarily from the fire (BEAT) My mom whipped my ass. I
mean, she hit me before, but never quite like that.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
Well, you did burn the flat down....
MARIAM
Yea, not exactly. (BEAT) It caused some damage to the room,
but the story always sounds more intriguing if I say I...
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
...burned down the flat...
MARIAM
(interrupting)
...the extensive damage was to our relationship (BEAT) I
moved out less then a year later, which was like three years
ago...
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
(interrupting)
You were soooo right about smokey eyes...
MARIAM
(interrupting)
...she only came to visit once in three years (BEAT) we never
really spoke...
MARIAM takes another long drag from
her hand-rolled cigarette.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
delicious!
A sharp knock at the door interrupts
jolts MARIAM. She walks over, opens
the door and audibly gasps.
MARIAM
MOM! What the hell're you doing here?
MOM
We need to talk.
NEIGHBOR (V.O.)
Like OH MY GAWD! (BEAT) Is that really Mom? (BEAT) The girls
are gonna have a fit...
Mariam turns toward the voice.
MARIAM
(loudly interrupting)
SHUT UP!
MOM
(confused)
I didn't say anything?
MARIAM
The stupid fucking neighbor won't shut up.
MOM
(visibly disturbed)
You have a neighbor?
FADE OUT:
THE END.