Flower Mercury

by Jimena Yengle

ACT I SCENE I

The train station on a sunny day. Old chairs, worn seats, dust on the pavement. Enter Laila and The Death Boy hand in hand, walk to the center of the stage. They stop.

Laila – (to The Death Boy) What a fortune to have you here with me. Who would have thought to be deserving of the extraordinary. That instead of evaporating, you would come back to me. Most people do not have the happiness of keeping a love after their death …yet I always knew I was special.

The Death Boy – Special

Laila – Yes. Because when we fell in love the butterflies did not bring me. On the contrary, a stampede of passionate bulls, dragons, troubadours, the revolution of the falcons, sailors and giraffes arose in me. (makes exaggerated gestures with her body)

Laila –Since you mention the giraffes. I see you better than yesterday, could it be that you are recovering your color? (watches him carefully)

The Death Boy – (silence)

The clock chimes, indicating midnight. Laila grabs her patched bags.

The Death Boy – (watches Laila subtly)

Laila – It's time! We must go! I know you're as excited as I am. We'll find the perfect place to scatter your ashes. I assure you it won't hurt. Death is a living expressionist show.(makes hand gestures).Do you know what the most banal and least accurate fear is?... We will not be part of an absurd majority, because as I told you...(he stops when he hears footsteps)

The man from the train enters, hunchbacked. his jacket. Laila and The Death boy look at him dumbfounded, as if he were a Martian.

Train Man – (watches them carefully and begins to seal papers with potatoes) Have you already said goodbye?

Laila – Death is but a pinch for true love. Don't you feel ticklish? (addresses The Death Boy)

The Death Boy – (starts to move his whole body expressively)

Train Man – Yes. Go down the path of the yellow flowers.

The Death Boy – (approaches the man on the train) Daisies…

Laila and The Death Boy bow mockingly and leave.

Train Man – (addresses audience) They call me the Bringer of Vivid Experience. They call me the interior decorator, of every colorless limbo and direction. (pulls out a metal bucket containing daisies) How much life would I have, if it weren't for my constant interference in the mental eruptions of human beings as empty as they are eternal. (starts throwing the daisies) They call me Ritalin and Adderall, the one that helps you stop forgetting, allows you to be normal. To you, I'm just the man on the train.

The Man on the Train leaves.

SCENE 2

The Death boy and Laila walk in, and sit on the train tracks. Laila in one corner and The Death boy in the other.

Laila – If I have to keep walking, we will have to leave your ashes in this place.

The Death Boy – I'm dead (does a somersault)

Laila – Yeah, but don't you think this place is calm? We should have gone on our first date. (gets up and sits in the next space)

The Death Boy – I'm dead (gets up and sits in the next space)

Laila – Yes, but don't you feel embraced by the sun? Do you remember the day you brought an umbrella and glasses to Mr.Flymingurton fancy restaurant ? (gets up and sits in the next space)

The Death Boy – I'm dead (gets up and sits in the next space)

Laila – Yeah, but don't you feel like we deserve this? A space to be together and talk honestly? The last time we were alone was at your funeral. (gets up and sits in the next space)

The Death Boy – I'm dead (gets up and sits in the next space)

Laila – Yes, but don't you think that life is more evil than death? You'll be better off wherever you go.(gets up and sits in the next space)

The Death Boy – I'm dead (gets up and sits in the next space)

Laila – Yeah, but isn't that the best thing that could have happened to you? (silence from The Death Boy) Ungrateful, we are happy. TRUE? I always complained, because I wanted to live a great adventure by your side. (gets up and sits on The Death Boy's lap)

Laila looks at The Death Boy, covers his eyes and lies back.

The Death Boy lets her sleep on his lap, gets up and walks over to his couch, which turns into a piano.

The Death Boy begins to play the piano.

The Death Boy – If I knew what was coming, I could warn the sun not to stop shining. If it was like in the movies, I would stop breathing. Given time, I would find a way to be eternal in your dreams.

He plays a song on his imaginary piano

The Death Boy – Declarations of dead flowers.Midnight after midnight, I remember less and less of myself.My story with that princess…whose name I no longer remember.But does the impulse to love her live on? (He plays his imaginary piano)

And from time to time I immerse myself in her memories, which I try to make my own… because I don't want to keep losing! (Plays the imaginary piano) I have lost a stream of light, the enchanted chorus of a song, my piano key, G string, a piece of truth. I have lost the heap of sugar that I kept in my heart, my confessions, a comic face, the dream of every bristly actor, his commitment, and my question. (He gets up from the imaginary piano and goes to the horizon) I have lost a world of roses, the sky that my little “I” painted, who guides Lady Liberty, who moves so many signs in the sea. (He gets on the chair) . I have lost the prince of my carousel, who flies and forgets, the good boy, my essence of thunder, my ray of sunshine, who remembers, the story of the rain. (Starts to cover chairs and furniture with sheets) .I have missed a part of this story.

And I don't have time to write again.

(He closes the imaginary piano and picks up an invisible telescope)

How do I tell her to insist on making me an art show? How do I make her revive with me? If she just wants to forget, let me go like her eternal script. (expression of frustration and anger, while pointing at Laila)

The Death Boy pushes his piano and falls down gracefully.

The lights go out

SCENE 3

The lights go on. A hanging sign reads "Arcopan". The rainbow saleswoman enters, gracefully adjusts her sweater and pants. She stands behind a counter. Laila and The Death Boy enter by the hand.

Laila – Could it be that we have come to the right place?

The Death Boy – I don't think so (plays his imaginary harmonica)

Rainbow Saleswoman – Don't hesitate, Mr. Sympathy. Gray stoles, bloused, with closure or without closure, hand-knitted or recycled. There is something for all tastes. Grayer shades of black for young girls like you.

Laila – Sorry, but I haven't worn anything black since I finished puberty. (crosses his arms and approaches The Death Boy) .Even at your funeral, I wore my orange jumpsuit. Remember? The one we bought at the fair.

The Death Boy – You used anxiolytics. (plays her imaginary harmonica)

Laila – That too. (pauses as he watches The Death Boy) We need this. (picking up a mask)

Laila puts the mask on The Death Boy.

The Rainbow Saleswoman comes out accompanied by her counter, who pulls a lever to mobilize.

Laila walks to the corner of the stage, kneels down, and starts playing an imaginary trumpet.

Laila – (does a deep emcee's voice and addresses the audience) Here is your beloved fiancée, Princess Laila.

Music plays. Laila stands in the center and bows. She begins to dance.

Laila – It's a pleasure, Your Highness. Are you asking me to dance?... You don't need to say a word, we met in your dreams.

The Death boy doesn't move. Laila approaches him, twirling and making dramatic gestures.

Laila – (fakes The Death Boy's voice while moving him like a puppet) Your Highness, are you the princess I've been waiting for so long?

Laila – Do you feel me in any way?...At the entrance of the parking lot, with red shoes, rainbow scarves.(stops to watch)...No, you don't, do you? 

The Death Boy – I do feel you, but I can't take you with me. I'm dead.

They both dance.

Laila – But who do you think you are? Who has asked you for a ticket to the afterlife?... As if I felt so unhappy, and with such narrowness of heart.

The Death Boy – I can't take you with me. I'm dead.

Laila – Yeah, you keep saying you're dead but you're not leaving. You're still here with me. (pushes him)

The Death Boy – I won't stay. But this isn't the right place. Not yet.

The Death boy and Laila stop dancing. The Death Boy falls to his knees, and hugs Laila's legs tightly.

The Death Boy – I wouldn't want to go home right now.

Laila – I've been here before. Show me what's going on. (looks around)

The Death Boy – (kisses Laila's hands) I'm dead.

The Death boy and Laila begin conducting an imaginary symphony. She addresses the musicians in the sky, and he addresses the musicians below. The symphony stops on the highest note, and the lights go out.

SCENE 4

The lights come on. On the stage there are two mattresses, and a table between them. The Death Boy enters from one side (right) and Laila from the other (left).

Laila – (looking at The Death boy) No! What is your problem? It's not time to sleep.

The Death Boy – Sleep

Laila – You are dead, you have a thousand lives left to sleep. I have been the one who has accompanied you, and continues to accompany you on this mystical journey.

The Death Boy – Sleep

Laila – Sleep? It's time for a pirate fight! (takes out his cardboard sword and directs it towards The Death Boy)

The Death Boy takes a step and climbs onto the mattress.

Laila – Sleep? You're siren bait! And what's the point! Because you're dead! Deader than my truth! (takes a step and climbs onto the mattress)

The Death Boy takes a step onto the mattress.

Laila – Sleep? (Throws a sword at The Death Boy) The Alaskan Pirates are coming! The Three-Eyed Parrots! And what's the point! Because you're dead! Deader than my interior! (steps on the mattress)

The Death Boy steps on the mattress directing his sword at Laila.

Laila – Sleep? (begins the sword fight with The Death Boy) Fly because they will catch you! Go for the treasure and take it! And what's the point, because you're dead! Deader than my memory! (steps onto the mattress)

A sword fight ensues between The Death Boy and Laila. The piano plays.

Laila – And what is the point of dying of love? (falls onto the mattress and falls asleep instantly)

The Death Boy covers Laila with a blanket and lays down on the other mattress.

The Death Boy – This is definitely not the place.

The lights get off.

SCENE 5

The floor is full of books, and the moon is purple. Laila enters carrying The Death boy on her back.

Laila – (Adjusts The Death Boy's bowtie) As bright as the sun, dear prince of darkness.

The Death Boy – Not the place.

Laila – The Land of Books. Our society, where we met fairies. We learned to fly. Your story and my story?

The Death Boy – My fingers (caresses Laila's hair without her noticing)

Laila – Yes, that. My fingers, your fingers. That's what happened. I told you. I told you to cover my eyes.

The Death Boy covers Laila's eyes with his hands.

The Death Boy – And you chose a book.

Laila – Stories from Africa (stops to look at The Death Boy, walks up to him and takes his jaw in his hands)

The Death Boy looks at Laila dumbfounded.

Laila takes a deep breath. She lets go of him abruptly.

Laila – No, these are the traces of your hands. How could you read a vegan recipe book? (changes his facial expression as he picks up a book from the floor) And what's the point! , because you are dead!

The Death Boy turns his back to Laila, crossing his arms in dissatisfaction.

Laila – No. How could you read a book about boring economics? (changes his facial expression as he picks up a book from the floor) And what's the point, because you're dead!

The Death Boy stomps the ground repeatedly with one leg.

Laila – No. (approaches him) How could you be the life of my life? (changes his facial expression as he picks up a book from the floor) And what's the point, because you're dead!

The Death Boy turns to look at Laila and caresses her face with concern. Laila doesn't hold her gaze and pushes The Death Boy away. She sits in a far space, and starts reading a book.

Laila – (reading) That with death two hearts go instead of one? Did you hear that? Can it be more tragic? They should repeat it at every engagement, like satire.

The Death Boy approaches Laila.

Laila – (reading) Does the thought that deepens death hurt more than death itself? Did you hear that? Could it be a more vague concept? As if we human beings were not capable of mastering our own thoughts.

The Death Boy gets closer to Laila.

Laila – (reading) Is death the presence of your story? And there are those who live just like a cactus, like a prehistoric rock, like a wormhole... (as he says this he looks directly at The Death Boy)

The Death Boy approaches Laila and sits behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. legs. His face can be seen protruding from Laila's shoulders. They both pick up a book.

The Death Boy – (reading) May your days be adventures sweetened with buttercream. May your story be worth it, may your sobriety be that of a mermaid, and may your world not tolerate quarantines.

Laila watches The Death Boy upset. He kisses her, and keeps his hand on her heart.

Laila – (reading) It is the story of a prince, the jester of my castle. No teflon throne, I live bohemian at heart. Who chatters hymns of love. Who prays, counts and believes.(she shakes)

Laila stands up impetuously, pushing The Death Boy, who remains lying on the ground.

Laila – (reading) Don't the dead get tired of sleeping? 

Laila picks up a pair of binoculars and looks around carefully.

Laila – This is the perfect space. It's final, let's release your ashes and I'll come home. I'm fed up.

The Death Boy – No. It's not the place.

The lights are turned off.

SCENE 6

In the center of the stage, there is a small table, which holds a plate with an avocado and onion sandwich. Enter Laila and The Death Boy.

Laila – Avocado. I knew it. (points to sandwich) We had to get to your stinky tastes. You preferred this to cotton candy. And I thought we were soul mates. Kindred spirits.

The Death Boy approaches the sandwich, trying to take it and bring it to his mouth.

Laila – Don't you dare! How could you choose this place?... Well, your decisions have always been wrong. And I realize when you're dead, and there's nothing to do.

The Death Boy – No. It's not the place.

Laila – Isn't that the place? It is the perfect place. The day of the avocado. Now I remember it.

The Death Boy – No. It's not the place.

Laila – Come on, say it. We're already here. What's the point, because you're dead!

The Death Boy crosses his arms and stares at Laila.

Laila approaches The Death Boy from behind and holds him like a puppet.

Laila – (imitates The Death Boy's voice) Come on, you should try it. You'll like the avocado. Let me split it (split the sandwich in two).

Laila – (reverting to being Laila) I told you I don't like avocado. I don't know…

Laila – (imitates The Death Boy's voice) Come on, just try it.

Laila eats a piece of the sandwich and makes funny faces.

The Death Boy – Why did you eat it? Why did you eat it again?

Laila – (tries not to look at The Death Boy) Because there was my prince, looking charming, hoping he would try the stinky avocado. I didn't dare say no. What can I tell you, people are pretentious, and they never feel guilty .

The Death Boy sits down and starts eating the sandwich disdainfully.

Laila – Whatever! (he rubs his eyes and gets up from his chair, turning away from The Death Boy) For all I care! Can you do something about the bad taste of avocado in my mouth now that you're dead? Any fantastic powers you wish to teach me?

The Death Boy – Almost there.

The Death Boy drags Laila with an imaginary rope, while she is doing ballet moves, and drops her on the floor. He strikes an imaginary chord and she closes her eyes. He walks to the center of the stage, he feels a pain in her chest unbearable and begins to squeeze. The piano sounds. She screams and dances. He ends up falling, and taking withered flowers out of his interior.

SCENE 7

The stage is once again full of daisies. Laila and The Death Boy enter hand in hand.

The Death Boy – This is the place. It's what I expected. (looks around)

Laila – I guess what you're going to say…(imitates The Death Boy's voice and movements) this is not the place…it's still missing.

The Death Boy – This is the place.

Laila – But what do you say? What does this place have to do with our history?... Look! What do you see around you? Tell me!

The Death Boy – This is the place.

Laila – What are you saying? What is this! (moves harmonically) Is there something I don't know? Anything you don't remember? Because if so, I need you to tell me now. Stop shutting up and becoming my enemy, when you are my great love.

The Death Boy – This place is part of my history. It is our space. Concentrate, build your own memory.

Laila- Nope ! (walks away) This won't be a memory, it doesn't have to be. Who told you that you can get rid of me by taking me to a field of daisies?

The Death Boy – The daisies themselves told me. Your favorite flowers.

Laila – Well, they aren't anymore! …Please stay.

The Death Boy slowly approaches Laila, and kisses her cheek. He has a hard time standing up.

Laila – Stay please. (cries)

The Death Boy – It's over. You are a free princess.

Laila – But you were here all this time, why do you want to leave now? (cries)

The Death Boy – We were here. I never meant to hold your body for so long.

Couples of brothers, relatives, and lovers enter. Everyone is saying goodbye. They hug, kiss, laugh and cry. Laila looks around scared.

Laila – No, you're not going to do this to me. I've already been to your funeral, I remember it like it was yesterday.

The Death Boy – This is not a funeral. This is goodbye.

Laila – Never say goodbye! Haven't you learned anything from my stories?

The Death Boy – This is my story Laila.

Laila – For all I care! (tears come out of her eyes) Get away from me. (Pushes him) .This is the last step, right?

After this I will laugh with anyone. I will fly without anxiolytics. I will finish thousands of books. I will make love among the stars. It will be different, and much better than with you. (breathes heavily)

The Death Boy – Come on, let me see you. (walks over to Laila and removes several imaginary handkerchiefs from her eyes)

Laila – Mercury…

The Death Boy – Laila…

The Death Boy hugs Laila and dances with her in her sleep, like a puppet. The Death Boy leaves Laila sitting up asleep, hugging herself. The lights go out, he leaves and only one light illuminates Laila. She wakes up, looks around and begins to cry.

Laila – Mercury, my prince is gone.

Laila opens her sweater and daisies start pouring out.

SCENE 8

The setting is an open field. Laila approaches a tombstone with a bouquet of daisies. She sits cross-legged.

Laila – How is it over there? Is there a world behind the river? Is there a city of angels? Does your nose keep bleeding? Are you immune to frustrations?... Someday I'll know. Meanwhile, build a small tree house. I want to find you there. I assure you that I hear you in every musical note, and I keep repeating your existential and banal questions. It is becoming more and more difficult to accept that we do not live a fairy tale life. However, I am still breathing and I am so grateful, having met you instead of a stranger with similar interests. Feel lighter after you.(laughs)

Laila dances around the tombstone.

End.