A sketch by Jean-Pierre Martinez
A character is standing there, looking perplexed at the map he’s holding. Another character arrives. The first one addresses him.
One – Excuse me… Are you from around here?
Two – That depends. Which part of here?
One – No, I mean… I don’t know if you’re local.
Two – Yes…?
One – It’s just that I’m not from around here, and… I’m a bit disoriented.
Two – Disoriented…
One – A bit lost, if you prefer.
Two – How can I help you?
One – Well… I’d just like to know where I am, simply. Do you know where we are?
Two – Yes.
One – And can you tell me where I am?
Two – Sure… (He looks around.) Well, you’re more or less… between that tree over there and me.
One – Sorry?
Two – Or if you prefer, you’re… directly under the sun, since it’s noon, and as it’s spring, you’re standing on these primroses, which you’re currently trampling.
One – Yes, I see that, but… what I’d like to know is where I am… on this map.
Two – Oh, sorry, of course. Your map… Let’s have a look…
The other hands him the map, a little wary. The second character examines the map attentively.
One – Well?
Two – I don’t see anything… No, you’re not on this map…
One – No?
The other looks at the map again.
Two – No, I assure you. (Pointing at the map) Look, you’re not on it. And neither are the primroses, by the way. If you were on this map, we’d see you, wouldn’t we?
One – But that’s impossible. I can’t have gone that far. To the point where I’m no longer on the map.
Two – Sometimes we go beyond our limits without even realising it.
One – But then… where could I possibly be?
A pause.
Two – So, you’re someone who’s still looking for themselves.
One – What?
Two – When you ask where you are, it means you’re searching for yourself, doesn’t it?
One – Thank you very much for your help. I think I’m even more lost now than I was before I met you.
Two – You’re lost because you’re looking for yourself on a map, instead of searching where you actually are.
One – Oh, really? And where exactly am I then?
Two – You’re simply where you are. Right here.
One – The problem isn’t knowing where I am, it’s knowing which direction I need to go in to find what I’m looking for.
Two – And what are you looking for?
One – My car.
Two – To go where?
One – To go home.
Two – I’d suggest you camp here instead.
One – Camp? But I don’t have a tent! And I’ve got things to do…
Two – Like what, for example?
One – I don’t know… I need to get to work.
Two – Work? For what? To pay off the loan on your car?
The other seems a bit downhearted.
One – Or to buy a new one if I can’t find mine… You’re right, I might just have to sleep here, under the stars.
Two – The nights are mild this time of year…
One – So you’re lost too, are you?
Two – In a way… I used to be, just like you. I came here to get lost. In this godforsaken place… Eventually, I found myself here. And now, I’m a local, as they say.
One – Yeah, well, I’d rather not put down roots here…
The other gives him a perplexed look.
Two – Your car, it’s a red Ford Fiesta, right?
One – Yes.
Two – It’s just behind you, in the lower car park, on the other side of the path.
One – Really? Thank you so much, you’ve saved my life!
Two – You think so?
One – But honestly, you could have told me sooner…
Two – Well, at least now you know where you stand… Here, I’ll give you back your map.
Blackout.
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A sketch from the collection For real and for fun
Link to the collection for free download (PDF)
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