Challenge -
Done by RUMMI for TANN
"A vignette (or possibly a lyric soliloquy in the manner of a Broadway musical) in which Eric examines his feelings about his dad."
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by Rummi
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and ideas that are owned by others. Written for fun, not profit.
Rating: G
Author's Notes: This challenge involved attempting to write a lyric soliloquy, "in the manner of a Broadway musical, in which Eric examines his feelings about his dad." Since I'm not a songwriter myself, I used the music of a song that already exists, and created a little scene around it.
Furthermore, I wanted to use a song that would be appropriate for a show set around 1983-1985. I chose to adapt "Pity the Child" from the musical Chess, which was first produced in 1984. The original lyrics were written by Tim Rice, and the music was composed by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (of ABBA). For those who aren't familiar with the song, you can hear the original cast recording by Murray Head here.
I hope the recipient enjoys the scene, which takes place sometime before "City at the Edge of Midnight." (And if it seems a little melodramatic, it is. It's Musical Theatre! *G*)
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by Rummi
The YOUNG ONES are gathered around the remains of their CAMPFIRE. Most of them are sleeping. BOBBY and UNI are huddled together, closest to the fire. SHEILA's CLOAK is covering them like a blanket. SHEILA lies nearby. She is turned to face her brother as if watching over him, even while sleeping. DIANA sleeps beside her, facing the opposite direction. HANK leans against a tree, like a sleeping sentinel protecting the group. His BOW is gripped in his hand.
Only PRESTO and ERIC are still awake.
PRESTO:
(sadly)
I really thought we were going to make it home that time.
Eric stokes the fire with a thin stick. One piece of wood crackles and shoots a small explosion of sparks into the air. Eric's eyes watch them until they die out.
ERIC:
(dejectedly)
Yeah. We were so close I could practically place an order at the hamburger stand. I should have reached out and grabbed something while I had the chance; who knows the next time we'll get some real food.
He jerks his head in reference to a LARGE LEAF at his side, which contains a few stray NUTS and BERRIES – probably remnants of their most recent (meager) meal.
Presto hugs his knees tightly against his chest and stares into the fire. He is silent for a long time. Then, when he does speak, his voice is wistful.
PRESTO:
I miss home.
ERIC:
(with a shrug)
There's a news flash. Who here doesn't?
PRESTO:
No, I mean I really miss it, Eric. I've been thinking about it a lot lately, you know? My mother and father – and what they must be thinking. They're probably really worried, and I just wish there was a way to tell them we're all right.
ERIC:
I guess that all depends on how you define "all right."
PRESTO:
You know what I mean. We've been stuck in the Realm for an awfully long time. Don't you ever think about how frantic our folks must be?
ERIC:
Your folks, maybe. And my mom, I guess.
(beat)
My dad probably doesn't even know I'm missing yet.
PRESTO:
(incredulous – as though Eric must be kidding)
Get real. We've been wandering around the Realm for months now.
ERIC:
Please. Let's just say if he does start to worry it'll serve him right. He doesn't spend enough time at home to notice anything I do.
PRESTO:
(still incredulous, but more serious)
Come on, Eric. I've met your dad. He seems pretty nice to me.
ERIC:
(sniffs derisively)
Don't get me wrong, Presto: there's plenty the man is good at. But being around for his family isn't one of them.
(beat)
You want to know what I really miss? My bed and our personal chef – being without them for this long is a real tragedy.
PRESTO:
(sighs, as he's obviously lost this round)
Whatever you say, Eric.
Presto lies down and turns over onto his side, settling in for the night.
PRESTO (cont'd):
I'm going to sleep. Good night.
(beat)
And, Eric?
ERIC:
What?
PRESTO:
I'm sure your dad misses you. Probably more than you think.
Some time passes and Eric continues to stoke the fire. After several minutes he glances over at Presto. His friend has fallen asleep.
CLOSE ON ERIC
He seems uncharacteristically thoughtful now that no one is awake to see him. He shakes his head.
[MUSIC BEGINS]
ERIC:
Not long ago, I learned ambition's more than a state of mind.
Somewhere, a hidden definition stands for: "to leave behind."
During my life I learned the hard way:
All our wealth – all the earning of all we had
Meant the absence of dear old Dad.
It didn't take long to stop asking if he'd stay;
He'd smile and be on his way.
Don't pity the child who recognizes
His place in the scheme of things.
His mother, and there – an empty chair –
A typical evening brings.
Each time he left, I'd "meet" my father –
See his faults, in his values I was well versed.
Knowing that work came first.
Each time he left I'd wonder all the while
Why he bothered to smile?
So now I'm stuck in this crazy Realm,
A backwards Lancelot – a bit overwhelmed.
To a blond Robin Hood I'm still second fiddle,
Whether fleeing for life, or drowning in riddles.
Eric stands and spins around. He turns his head back, eyes cast almost accusatorily on Presto's sleeping form.
ERIC (cont'd):
And so you ask me, what do I miss.
What from my old life to I cherish?
What can I say, except what you will believe?
Pizza and sports and teenaged bliss:
All of these – easier things to miss.
So what if it looks like cowardice?
Having only material things to love will teach you this!
I learned early on what I should value:
My property and my name.
Dad gave me quite the business model;
It's not hard to act the same.
Don't pity me; I've known the feeling
Long enough to know now that I'm second best.
There's no one left to impress.
D'you really think it would bother him to hear
Of his not-so-brave Cavalier?
During the MUSICAL INTERLUDE, Eric quickly cuts a path through the surrounding WOODS. He runs away from his camp and his friends, passing swiftly through the forest until he reaches the edge of the TREELINE. Once there, he can go no farther; the woods end in a steep drop and we PAN BACK to see what appears to be the entire REALM laid out before him.
Against it, Eric seems very small.
As the music slows, we CLOSE IN TIGHTLY on Eric. His expression is sad and his hair rustles slightly in the breeze.
ERIC (cont'd):
Don't pity a child who doesn't want it.
Can't stand the indecency
Of feeling inside how much I miss him,
And hoping he misses me.
No one can know how much it scares me,
The more time I spend trapped in this stupid land –
Can anyone understand?
To finally see him, after being lost for so long,
And have his response be . . .
"Oh, were you gone?"
The music swells then dies, and Eric turns back toward the woods. He takes one final glance at the span of the Realm behind him. The first of the Realm's FOUR SUNS is beginning to rise. He then turns completely and walks slowly back to his campsite, and his friends.
FADE OUT