Play 68: Sleep

CHARACTERS
BEN, 17
SLEEP

(Ben is lying on a couch watching TV. He is typing on a laptop that is resting on his stomach.)

(Sleep enters.)

SLEEP
Hey.

BEN
Hey.

SLEEP
Long time no see.

BEN
Yeah.

SLEEP
Wanna hang out?

BEN
Maybe in a bit, I’m kinda busy right now.

SLEEP
Watching TV is busy?

BEN
I’m trying to write my scene for the day.

SLEEP
Okay. So that’s what you’re typing.

BEN
Yeah. (beat.) or, kinda.

SLEEP
What do you mean?

BEN
Well, I’m talking online right now, but I’ll do the scene in a second.

SLEEP
Can’t you just put ift off, we haven’t hung out enough lately.

BEN
I know, but I gotta do this.

SLEEP
Okay.

(beat.)

But after the scene?

BEN
Well (beat) I need to practice guitar and sax.

SLEEP
Come on, aren’t you tired?

BEN
Well, yeah, but I really need to practice.

SLEEP
Can’t it wait till tomorrow?

BEN
Not really.

SLEEEP
Bu come on, this week I’ve only seen you a few hours and even over break I barely saw you since you were gone and moving around so much.

BEN
I know.

(beat.)

I mean, I’m as sorry about it as you.

SLEEP
Yeah.

(beat.)

But, after the scene and guitar and sax, then we can chill?

BEN
Yeah, sure.

SLEEP
I guess that’s okay.

BEN
Cool, thanks for waiting.

SLEEP
Yeah.

(beat.)

You’re going to regret this tomorrow you know.

BEN
I know.

SLEEP
Okay.

(Beat.)

So get started on that scene soon, okay?

BEN
Yeah, sure.

SLEEP
See you in a bit.

BEN
Hopefully.

SLEEP
Yeah.

(Sleep exits.)

(Ben keeps typing on his computer and watching TV.)

(Fade out.)