ACT 2, SCENE 2
(In church, the afternoon of the same day. CASSANDRA is seated silently in one of the benches. FATHER GIBRERSON enters.)
FATHER GIBRERSON: (sitting next to her) Good afternoon, Cassandra.
CASSANDRA: Good afternoon, Father.
FATHER GIBRERSON: How long have you been here?
CASSANDRA: Maybe five minutes.
FATHER GIBRERSON: I am glad to see you. Do you want to walk with me in the garden?
CASSANDRA: No. I just wanted to talk for a few minutes...
FATHER GIBRERSON: Is there anything I can do for you?
CASSANDRA: I know I haven’t come in a while.
FATHER GIBRERSON: Yes. (smiling) But, it doesn’t mean I won’t listen. And you will always be welcome here, Cassandra.
CASSANDRA: Thank you. (pause) Father?
FATHER GIBRERSON: Yes?
CASSANDRA: Do you think it’s OK not to cry?
FATHER GIBRERSON: Pain is a personal thing.
CASSANDRA: I usually cry for a lot of things.
FATHER GIBRERSON: You are dealing with something very deep. Much deeper than usual.
CASSANDRA: Deeper?
FATHER GIBRERSON: God’s ways are sometimes hidden.
CASSANDRA: God?
FATHER GIBRERSON: Yes.
CASSANDRA: If God cared...
FATHER GIBRERSON: He always does.
CASSANDRA: I don’t know.
FATHER GIBRERSON: When you were younger, you used to come and visit me every Wednesday after school.
CASSANDRA: And I sat exactly where I am now.
FATHER GIBRERSON: Yes. We used to talk, and then walk in the garden.
CASSANDRA: Yes.
FATHER GIBRERSON: But sometimes, you would just amble along, smiling at people.
CASSANDRA: (smiling) I remember that worn-out book that was displayed. People loved it. It was full of poetry!
FATHER GIBRERSON: Yes. Once, you even read one of the poems out loud.
CASSANDRA: Did I really?
FATHER GIBRERSON: Stay here. I will show you something. (exiting and re-entering a few seconds later) Now, read it for me, please.
CASSANDRA: (taking the book and opening it) In the silence of words, I shall bring my spirit to rest For you to enjoy my freedom. In the silence of words, I shall dip my pen into inspiration, And write a poem on infinity. In the silence of words, Time will bring treasures to travelers, And joy to constant listeners.
FATHER GIBRERSON: Do you remember it now?
CASSANDRA: Yes! I also remember telling you something.
FATHER GIBRERSON: And what was that?
CASSANDRA: That my mother would love it.
FATHER GIBRERSON: And did she?
CASSANDRA: I never showed her. Now, I can’t.
FATHER GIBRERSON: Yes, you still can.
CASSANDRA: And how?
FATHER GIBRERSON: Because the bond between a mother and her child is boundless. Like the ocean.
CASSANDRA: But hadn’t some things rather, rather be left unsaid?
FATHER GIBRERSON: What do YOU think?
CASSANDRA: I don’t know.
FATHER GIBRERSON: Then, do not worry about the answer. Ponder on it for a while, and let it go.
(Pause.)
CASSANDRA: Father, do you think that sacrifice is a good thing?
FATHER GIBRERSON: Sacrifice is good, as long as you... as long as you know why you do it.
CASSANDRA: But what about conventions? Society?
FATHER GIBRERSON: What do you mean? Is anything troubling you?
CASSANDRA: I don’t know... I just don’t know what to say to people anymore. I used to be comfortable around them. But I feel, I feel...
FATHER GIBRERSON: Cassandra... Whatever it is, however you feel, it is temporary. It will pass.
CASSANDRA: How can you be so sure?
FATHER GIBRERSON: I was twenty when I entered the priesthood. I knew I would be fine. But, somehow, I was scared for a long time.
CASSANDRA: Oh. And scared of what?
FATHER GIBRERSON: Let me tell you a story. Ten years after being ordained priest, I met David, a young man who was dying of cancer. He was your age... A very strong young man. The last time I saw him, it was in the hospital. He was smiling. I asked him why he seemed so happy, and he simply said: “Father, when time is short, you can see beyond the darkness. And you don’t need to close your eyes anymore.” He died a few days later. (taking out a picture from his pocket) Look at his face! (pause) When I conducted his funeral service, all I could think of was his words. I did not hear anyone cry at all. (pause) Cassandra, I have seen you grow into a beautiful and resourceful woman. Your parents have always been very proud of you, your father more particularly.
CASSANDRA: My father?
FATHER GIBRERSON: He loves you so much! But, he is very sensitive... Cassandra, you will find your way too. It is temporary. It will pass.
CASSANDRA: And if it doesn’t? I mean, if I can’t get over it?
FATHER GIBRERSON: (putting his hand on the opened book CASSANDRA is still holding) Keep the book. When you are ready, you will know.
CASSANDRA: Father, do you think I am scared?
FATHER GIBRERSON: You are the only one to know. When you are ready, you will feel it. Just like David.
CASSANDRA: (looking at her watch) Oh, it’s getting late. Thank you so much for your time, Father!
FATHER GIBRERSON: You are most welcome. Please, come and see me again.
CASSANDRA: I will. Goodbye.
FATHER GIBRERSON: Goodbye.
(CASSANDRA exits under FATHER GIBRERSON’s eye.)
(END OF SCENE 2)
Copyright © 2007 Cendrine Marrouat
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In the Silence of Words: A Three-Act Play is available for purchase on Amazon.
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