Play 86: Tickets part II

CHARACTERS
MAN
MYSTERIOUS MAN

(The man is searching franticly around on the left side of the stage, which is part of a large train station.)

MAN
Fuck!

(He keeps searching.)

(A mysterious man enters from the right side of the stage.)

(He walks towards the man searching, as he gets close the other man notices him.)

MAN
Do you know where I can get tickets for the train?

MM
That all depends.

MAN
(Confused.)
What?

MM
What do you need them for?

(Beat.)

MAN
I need to get on a train.

MM
Of course, but why?

MAN
There’s somewhere I need to be. I can’t be late.

MAN 2
How important is it to you to get there?

MAN
Why does that matter, can’t you just tell me where I can get tickets?

MM
You’ll have to answer my question first.

MAN
(He is now thoroughly confused but obviously desperate enough to go along with it.)
Yes (beat.) it’s extremely important.

(Beat.)

MM
Good, I can tell you are being honest.

MAN
(Slightly irritated.)
So can you tell me where I can get the tickets?

MM
As I said before, it depends.

MAN
(Annoyed.)
What?

MM
If you don’t want my help—

MAN
(Cutting him off.)
No no, I’m sorry, I just thought once I told you how important it is you’d help me.

MM
I will help you.

MAN
So you’ll tell me where I can get tickets?

MM
In a manner of speaking.

MAN
What do you mean?

(Beat.)

MM
I think it’s for the best if you just follow me.

(He starts walking off towards the right side of the stage.)

MAN
Hey, what the hell is going on?

(The mysterious man continues walking without responding.)

MAN
(Mutters to himself.)
This is ridiculous.

(The mysterious man exits.)

(Beat.)

MAN
Hey, wait!

(He runs after him.)

(Blackout.)