Play 70: Sleep Is Good

CHARACTERS
BEN, 17
RICHARD, 17

(they’re sitting on a couch in front of a TV, Ben has a computer on his lap.)

RICHARD
You look like shit man.

BEN
Really?

RICHARD
Yeah.

BEN
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.

RICHARD
Not sleeping much?

BEN
Nope. Still adjusting to being back in school and I was up till 4 last night.

RICHARD
Yeah.

(beat.)

Go to sleep man.

BEN
Yeah.

(beat.)

Just gotta finish this scene.

RICHARD
Just go to sleep, you need it.

BEN
I know.

RICHARD
So put the computer down.

BEN
Can’t.

RICHARD
You easily could.

BEN
I know.

RICHARD
So go to sleep.

BEN
In a bit.

RICHARD
Why not now?

BEN
I have to write.

RICHARD
No you don’t.

BEN
I do.

RICHARD
But you have to sleep too.

BEN
Yeah, but not now.

RICHARD
Well you don’t have to write now.

BEN
Look, every second I’m talking to you is another second I’m not writing my scene and another second before I go to sleep.

RICHARD
You aren’t writing it though.

BEN
Not since I’ve been talking to you.

RICHARD
Not before either.

BEN
I was just about to.

RICHARD
Then do it.

BEN
I will.

(Pause, Ben stares at his computer screen but doesn’t type anything.)

RICHARD
I can see it’s coming along nicely.

BEN
Shut up.

RICHARD
Just go to sleep.

BEN
I told you I can’t!

(beat.)

RICHARD
Can I see your computer for a second?

BEN
Why?

RICHARD
Just let me see it.

(beat.)

BEN
(confused.)
Umm, okay.

(he hands Richard the computer.)

(Richard pushes a button it.)

BEN
Hey! Why did you turn it off?

RICHARD
Go to sleep.

(Ben pushes a button.)

RICHARD
Come on, just leave it off and go to sleep.

BEN
Can’t.

RICHARD
Whatever man.

(Ben stares at his computer screen, Richard watches the TV.)

BEN
Goddamn it.

(Fade out.)