Leo Butler's 100 Word Play

One Star Shining

Darkness.

A baby cries.

Silence.

MAN lights a candle. WOMAN holds the baby.

MAN: Are they gone?

Pause.

MAN: Mary … –

WOMAN: We can’t be sure it was them.

MAN: They had swords.

WOMAN: The cow-bells.

MAN: What?

WOMAN: You heard cow-bells, that’s all.

MAN: I didn’t notice a cow.

WOMAN: Then you weren’t looking.

MAN: I thought they were sheep farmers.

Pause.

MAN: Well, I think I’d notice a … –

The baby stirs.

Silence.

WOMAN: They’ll be here soon.

Pause.

WOMAN: The others. They’ll be here soon, don’t … –

MAN: I’m not.

Silence

MAN: Can I hold him?

Pause.

MAN: Mary, please …

WOMAN: He’s not yours, you fool.

Pause.

MAN: He’s got my eyes, look.

Pause.

MAN: Mary, please …

The candle flickers.