Reality Check
by Victor Anaya
Embedded Files
Act 1, Scene 1: Ignorance Isn’t Bliss
He’s gonna be okay
He’s gonna be okay
He’s gonna be okay
(Enter Victor)
Victor: How could I have been so stupid? I’m so irresponsible! I always check. How could I forget to check?
EMT: Get out of the way!
(Car horns sound)
Victor looks up at his aunt. His eyes tear up. He grows lightheaded.
Victor: This can’t be happening. You’re going to be alright
He glances down at his cousin. The ambulance engine roars as they race down the street.
Victor: He’s gonna be okay... Right?
(Exeunt)
Act 1, Scene 2: First Is The Worst
Kat: Ice packs! Ice packs!
Victor: “I think I’m gonna pass out”
Ice packs!
“This is all my fault”
“I caused this”
I need ice packs!
He’s having a seizure
“This wasn’t supposed to happen”
I should’ve let go
“I could have taken his life”
I should’ve let go
“I could have killed him”
I should’ve let go!
(Victor Screams)
I SHOULD’VE LET GO!
….But I didn’t
(Exeunt)
Act 1, Scene 3: A Story All Too Familiar
(Enter Victor)
Victor: A story all too familiar.
With the same characters you all know and love.
His neck.
My arm.
And the tap that never comes.
A story all too familiar.
It’s one I’m so sick of telling.
The name always changes
But the feeling of guilt doesn’t.
The same arm wraps around
But it’s a different neck each time.
Wrap, Squeeze, Tap.
The tap doesn’t come.
I said: Wrap, Squeeze, TAP!
It’s too late.
I realize I should’ve let go
But you know the rest
For this one
Is a story all too familiar
(Exeunt Victor)
Photograph by Victor Anaya
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