Central Theme: Move Forward Look toward the future.
Tom is about to leave and feels conflicted. Anastasia convinces him that he is making the right decision.
Scene: Very early morning, before sunrise. Clear night, Tom has just left his house to travel to a place far away. He walks up to the boarding plank of the ...ship and pauses at the foot of the plank. He looks back and forth, nervous almost like someone is following him.
Tom: (pacing back and forth with nervous energy) When's that blasted boat leaving? I got places I need to be!
Anastasia walks on stage, swinging an umbrella and a suitcase, smiling widely. She is a woman of about thirty years. She hears Tom's last sentence.
A: Where do you to have to be, young man?
T: (looks up, startled) Do I know you, ma'am?
Anastasia: No. But you look like you're leaving, same as me. Catching the first boat out of North Carolina huh?
Tom: Yeah... (long pause)
A: Where are you going?
T: I joined the merchant's association. I guess I'll go wherever they need me. At least it's away from here.
A: What's wrong with staying here?
T: Nothing for me.
A: What about your family?
T: They're back in Tennessee, where the rest of my problems are.
A: You don't look like the type to have problems.
T: Well, I do. And if you knew half of my story, you'd agree.
A: Huh. Does your family know where you are?
T: Not exactly. But by now, they know that I'm gone.
A: So you're leaving your poor old ma out in the wilderness by herself. Very noble of you.
T: She's not alone. She's got my sister. Not my dad, though.
A: Hmm....sounds like you do have problems. You think going away is going to help?
T: I don't know...I'm sure they'll be alright... (under his breath) I hope.
Anastasia sits down next to him, leaning close. Tom leans away nervously.
A: I left home when I was your age. I was the oldest of three and sick of hanging around. Thought I was leaving for something better. I went to New York, New Orleans and Chicago. Had me a fine time of it, champagne, pretty clothes and lots of men to keep me company. Decided to go home a few years ago, and when I got back, my brother and sister had married, had kids, and my ma and pa were dead. My nephews and neices didn't even know me. I'd missed it all.
T: I'm sorry to hear that.
A: I'm sure you are. But I'm not looking for pity. Now I'm not gonna get into a contest with you about who's had the worst time of it, but if you feel like leaving the best thing for you, I guess you should go on and make your own way.
T: Thank you! My sister and mother don't understand. I have to go! I need to support myself without worrying about them. They were just dragging me down, all the time, trying to take care of them, support them. I don't want that for the rest of my life.
A: Well, you can put all the distance between you and your mother and sister that you want, all the oceans in the world, as far the Merchant's Assiocation will take you. But they're still gonna be your family, for all your leaving.
Tom looks down dejectedly.
T: I know. But I feel like I should. (getting angry) Who are you to tell me what to do anyways? I don't even know you. This is my life, I'll live how I want.
A: I'm not saying you gotta go back. I'm saying, don't forget. You and me, we're cut from the same cloth. We both left, looking for something better. Wherever you go, young sir, I hope you find what you're looking for.
T: That's just it--I don't know!
Foghorn sounds from behind them.
A: Sounds like that's your boat.
T: Yeah, it is.
A: You gonna leave?
Long pause. Tom looks down and then back up to Anastasia.
T: Yeah, I'm gonna leave. Find what I'm looking for.
A: Then I wish you all the luck in the world. And remember--don't forget.
Anastasia gets up and leaves Tom alone. He looks up at the boat and slowly begins to board.
All credit goes to Adam Flores
