A Sketch by Jean-Pierre Martinez
A man, dressed in striped pyjamas, is soundly asleep in the bed. A woman, who could be his mother, enters the room. She’s dressed in old-fashioned attire, devoid of makeup, and her demeanour is less energetic. She approaches the bed.
Woman – It’s time… (As he doesn’t respond, she raises her voice and shakes him energetically.) It’s time!
Startled, the man wakes up and gazes at her, his expression a mix of confusion and surprise.
Man – Mum? What are you doing here?
Woman – It’s time, my dear.
Man – Time? What time?
Woman – I don’t know, but it’s time.
Man – But, I mean… Time for what?
He makes an effort to sit up but he hesitates, needing a moment to regain his strength.
Woman – Come on, you lazybones! Make an effort, for heaven’s sake! Get up and walk!
He collects himself, his confusion slowly dissipating.
Man – It sounds oddly familiar.
Woman – Sadly, I have to remind you every morning. (The man looks at his mother, surprised.) What’s the matter? You seem bewildered…
Man – You’re telling me? Look, Mom, don’t take this the wrong way, but…
Woman – Yes?
Man – I thought you were dead….
Woman – But… I am.
A moment of silence.
Man – I had a feeling something had changed about you.
Woman (with a puzzled expression) – Really?
Man – In a good way, I assure you! And what about Dad?
Woman – He’s dead too. Are you sure you’re not dead?
Man – I don’t think so…
Woman – So, not entirely sure, are you?
Man – I suppose when you’re dead, you know, right?
Woman – Well, about that… Are you eating well at least?
Man – I don’t know… Why do you ask?
Woman – If you’re eating, it’s a good sign you’re not dead.
She searches in her coat pocket and pulls out an apple, which she offers to him.
Woman – Here, I brought you this.
He accepts the apple, a bit cautiously.
Man – An apple… Like the witch in Snow White…
Woman – You think you’re Snow White?
Man – I’m just being careful, that’s all.
Woman – You’re suspicious of your own mother?
Man – I remind you, you’re supposed to be dead.
Woman – You think I’m a witch, is that it?
Man – I’ve learned to be cautious around the unexpected, especially when it comes to the undead. So, about my dearly departed mother……
The woman looks around.
Woman – This place isn’t very cheerful…
He seems to notice the surroundings as well.
Man – No… Where are we?
Woman – It looks like a mental institution.
Man – I guess they’d restrain me in a straitjacket if I were insane.
Woman – And your wife? Does she visit you from time to time?
Man – No… I can’t recall clearly… Am I married?
Woman – What about your friends? Do you have any friends at all?
Man – I’m not sure. I haven’t come across anyone.
Woman – That’s how it’s always been… Since you were a child… You were never the most popular.
Man – Well, thanks for the morale boost…
Woman – I find myself wondering why I even came. You’re not dead, after all!
Man – Sorry to disappoint you once again.
Woman – You seem to have messed up everything in your life, it seems. (She gets up, starts to leave but turns around one last time.) Even your own death.
She exits. He looks at the apple. He takes a bite and places the rest on the bedside table. He chews for a moment before swallowing.
Man – So, I’m not dead…
Blackout.
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A sketch from the collection Not even dead
Link to the collection for free download (PDF)
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