A Sketch by Jean-Pierre Martinez
Two characters. The second one is buckling a suitcase.
One – So, today’s the big day?
Two – Yes… The moment of liberation has arrived.
One – Forty years…
Two – Almost a lifetime.
One – It’s inhumane. Regardless of the crime, no one deserves this.
Two – And on top of it, I’m innocent.
One – We all claim that…
Two – How much time do you have left to serve?
One – Twenty-five years, seven months, and three days.
Two – Did you account for leap years?
One – I hate leap years…
Two – Well, now I might appreciate them a bit more.
One – And what are you going to do with your freedom?
Two – I don’t know. I’m not used to it anymore…
One – You’re not going to mess things up, are you?
Two – Mess things up? What kind of mess?
One – The kind of mess that could land you back here.
Two – No, don’t worry.
One – You won’t forget about us?
Two – Of course not.
One – I’m not asking you to come visit us. I’m not expecting that.
Two – You’re right. It would hurt both of us.
One – I’ll miss you.
Two – I’ll miss you too… Even though I would have preferred our meeting to be under different circumstances.
One – What time exactly is your release?
Two – At 5 p.m.
One – Are they picking you up, or…
Two – No one is picking me up. I pack my things, and I leave by subway all alone. Like a grown-up.
One – As long as we have our health…
Two – Forty years, and it all fits in that old suitcase. Can you believe it?
One – Are you sure you haven’t forgotten anything?
Two – I’ll leave the coffee machine for you…
One – That’s kind.
Two – Now, I’ll probably have my coffee at the local bar.
One – You’re lucky…
Two – Unfortunately, I’ll probably have it alone. Over the years, you lose touch with everyone.
One – Is this bar really still open?
Two – You think?
One – They all close, one after the other.
Two – Back in the day, that place was our hangout. We’d all gather around the foosball table. The owner may not have had a childcare qualification, but when we crossed the line, he knew how to lay down some discipline.
One – If we hadn’t pulled so many stunts in our youth, maybe we wouldn’t be stuck here…
Two – True. We could’ve been bankers or lawyers.
One – Well, it’s too late now… The die is cast.
Two – And the wheel has stopped turning.
One – The director didn’t call you in for a meeting?
Two – What for? To plan a farewell party?
One – You’re right.Just make your exit without any farewells.
Two – Seeing him again? I’d rather steer clear.
One – Come on, it’s about time.
Two – When it’s time to go, it’s time to go.
They embrace emotionally.
One – Well, then… Enjoy your retirement, my old friend!
Two – I’ll do my best…
The second one exits with his suitcase. The first one stays behind.
One – Damn… Another twenty-five years to endure.
Black.
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A sketch from the collection Memoirs of a Suitcase
Link to the collection for free download (PDF)
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https://jeanpierremartinez.net