Act One: Scene Two

(The stage is set to look like the inside of a bakery: shelves behind a counter are lined with bread and other pastries. The sun is shining through a window—on the left, next to the door. Behind the counter a doorway indicates the kitchen)

(A young woman, about seventeen, is sitting on a stool behind the counter; her face can't be seen—she's looking down at the book in front of her. Hair is in a high ponytail, dressed in a light blue dress, black shoes. After about nine seconds, an older woman walks into the room from the kitchen)

Aunt Diana: (slightly annoyed, says sternly) Willow Ann Bennington! Just what in Shire's name do you think you're doing?

Willow: (looks up from her book with a start, turns her head to look at her aunt) N-nothing, Aunt Diana

Aunt Diana: (slams her hand on the countertop) Exactly! A proper young lady does her job; she doesn't read when she has no business doing so!

Willow: (looks confused) Auntie, what do you mean? I am doing my job…

Aunt Diana: (face is hard set) I told you to mind the store, and here I find you reading the day away! How, young lady, is that 'doing your job?'

Willow: But Auntie, no one's here (crosses arms and looks out the window) how can I do my job, if there isn't anyone to serve?

Aunt Diana: (snappish) Don't you sass me, missy!

Willow: (sighs, props elbow on the countertop, chin in hand) Yes Ma'am

(The room is quiet for a few seconds)

Aunt Diana: (sighs) What are you reading anyway?

Willow: (doesn't lift her head) It's a book about pirates: (pushes book a little away from her, to the side) The Life of Captain Silver-Boot. He was one of the meanest and strangest pirates to ever live on God's green Earth

Aunt Diana: (sighs again) Oh, Willow dear…if you must read while working, please can't read something less gruesome?

Willow: (spreads out other arm) Auntie, really now! There isn't anything gruesome about this book…piracy's fascinating is all, and I can't help but wonder what sort of life Papa had out on that vastness of ocean

Aunt Diana: (slight attitude) Willow, your father was a merchant sailor, for crying out loud! His job wasn't that interesting

Willow: (tightly) How would you know? You and Papa never got along…the only reason I live with you and Uncle and Roger is because it was Mama's wish (softy) she always did like Papa's family more than her own

(A five second pause)

Aunt Diana: (puts a hand on Willow's shoulder) Why not go visit them, your parents I mean…I know they miss you

(Willow nods, stands and exits through shop door; Diana looks out the window, we can assume that she's watching her niece. A full ten seconds pass, then Uncle George comes out through the back carrying a tray of freshly baked rolls)

Uncle George: (puts away the rolls, glances at the still open book on the countertop) Pirates again? (closes the book) I do believe our niece is obsessed

Aunt Diana: (shakes head, still looking out the window) No, dear, not pirates…sailors

Uncle George: (looks at his wife, speaks seriously, non-questioning tone) The anniversary is soon…

Aunt Diana: (sighs, turns away from the window to look at Willow's book, after about four seconds hesitation she runs her hand across the top; nods and walks toward kitchen entrance, says quietly) My dear brother Fred (turns to face her husband) oh George she barely knew her parents

Uncle George: (smiles sadly) I know, dear…

Aunt Diana: (looks down) I try not to be too cross with her; honestly I do…but sometimes—

Uncle George: (takes hold of Diana's hand) You must be

(Diana closes eyes, nods; two second pause)

Aunt Diana: I sent her to visit them

Uncle George: (nods) That's good and Roger can mind the counter (smiles) after all, isn't that why we had him?

Aunt Diana: (laughing and nodding; exits through kitchen door; voice is faint) Roger! Get off your butt and do some work!

End scene