Friday, September 27th, 2013 – 12:30 AM PDT – (“Irritated Awakening”)

Sitting here tonight, for the first time in so long I feel awake. After a lengthy series of events—all of which would break my current train of thought—I find myself at a place I didn’t expect. I won’t speak of employment because even though I currently am holding an occupation, working in a rather superstitious industry, I’ve found myself to be on the same merit at more than a number of occasions. Nor will I speak of my transition since it is of no consequence in my current status quo. Then what shall I discuss? Why the thing that started these very pages of text, my vary writing itself.

Lately I have dealt with a great deal of frustration, mostly from lack of focus. I thought it was a general prognosis, however, that didn’t seem to be the case—starting in 2010 I achieved to accomplish what I achieved (it just took three years instead of one; granted I didn’t pass the Linux+ Exam, but I didn’t realize how truly taxing it would be). As for my literary efforts nothing has seem to come of them. I spent the past several months taking a hiatus from my diary (yes, I will finally concede that it is a diary and not a journal) to pursue the efforts of writing a book or a play, or whatever idiotic thing that comes to mind (bad 1990’s-esque poetry would included). That proved relatively futile in the end because it came back to the same problem it always does, I return to that damn: “Oh whoa with me” that occupies most bad works; my bad works in particular.

I’d continue complaining, but all of the things I want to bitch about, particularly missing my 30^th Birthday, the end of Year Six and the start of Year Seven, I can’t talk about due to contractual obligations or nothing was happening (and no, the first is not a joke, I literally cannot write about work because of my contract). So what can I talk about, is this the end of the Daily Distortions? Have I finally run out of things to say?

I kind of feel like I have; I’m not really certain why I write anymore. I find myself more willing to read other people’s works or watch the videos of others than attempt to write something myself. But then I come across something I was working on before that I didn’t finish and wonder why I stopped. The only thing I can reason of is that I keep wanting to do large works and I choke.

So I thinking, later today, I am going to try and write a short poem or sketch or scene a day, something that doesn’t take longer than thirty minutes, and maybe I can build up to what I was trying to be. If nothing comes of it, at least the Daily Distortions will be able to keep going.

Monday, April 8th, 2013 – 1:00 AM PDT – (Poetry Corner: “Scapegoats for Hire”)

So I guess it is safe to say that my project has rather fallen apart. I assure you this wasn’t my intention, but the past month I have been rather exhausted. Not to mention that studying for the Linux+ exam was much more taxing than I had expected—in fact, I pushed back the test because of that—causing my to spend my off time absorbing the information as opposed to being objective enough to critique anything. Well the past four days didn’t make matters much better. Although I knew it was coming, emotionally I wasn’t prepared for it; I found out on Thursday—before a three-day weekend no less—when my current stint at Nookland would be coming to an end. It just so happens to occur two days after my Thirtieth Birthday. Sufficed to say, the rage I have been feeling the past three days hasn’t exactly made me feel all that creative—allowing me to finally understand why Metal, Thrash and Grunge were ever forms of music. Most of what I tried to compile was mostly jibberish, except for what I am about to upload today (on a day before work). Parts of what I am above to type came to me in fragments while I was in the gym and hit me throughout the day as I attempted to study (although I wound up watching more “Star Trek: Voyager” and “Linkara” reviews than actually studying). Then, just as I was about to nod off for the night, this damn thing wouldn’t let me sleep. Believe it or not I have a poem to share. So let’s stop fucking around and get to it so I can finally sleep. He it is: 

“Scapegoats for Hire” By Yours Truly

You say we’re needed

            Yet we’re the first to cut off

You say you need our help

            But you give it to us in return

You praise us for our knowledge

            Though you claim we don’t know enough

You have no idea what we do

            Yet you say we don’t do enough

You ask for a “favour”

            But you have no idea what the word even means

            We do

Your hypocrisy is apparent

            Even when we spell it out to you

Your problems

Your Incompetence

            Become our problems

            Our Impotence

You are the capitals of the Mid-Level

            We are the bottom rung

 You don’t the point of existence

            The feeling is mutual

You don’t think you need us

            If only to serve as you Scapegoats for Hire

I’ll admit, it is probably obvious what I am writing about, considering where I work and the circumstance befallen upon me; however I am certain this could apply to any situation.

March 9th, 2013 – 11:00 PM PST – (“The Next Counter” Revisited Pt. 3 – Delayed Due To Technical Difficulties)

The irony is within the title, but yes, the next scene has been delayed due to technical difficulties (and the interference of personal things). My iMac has suffered a physical defect and, although I can access the files on my MacBook Pro, until I have the replacement parts, I won’t be able to work in my office. Also, after a few events I’ve decided not to discuss (until I can properly process them). With any luck, God-Willing, I should be able to resume next week. When I do resume, to make up for lost time, I’ll probably double down on few scenes to make up for lost time.

So stayed tuned. Hopefully this will only be a temporary hiatus.

February 23rd, 2013 – 11:00 PM PST – (“The Next Counter” Revisited Pt. 2)

Tonight I had a stark revelation. A few weeks ago I purchased a home Laser Hair Removal kit for the same of getting rid of my remaining facial hair. Earlier in the evening while I was preparing dinner, I finally had the time to read over the directions and warnings—of the latter, there were several. After careful deliberation and reliving a number of both physical and painful moments from when I had the treatments professionally—my face swelling for over a week and a half—not to mention seeing how my skin reacts to waxing, I realized just how unskilled I am, nor am I as receptive to unconventional treatments as other people. Just as dreams from my past that I’ve had to let go, such as tonight’s entry, I might have to let go the one of a follicle free face. Had I used the device, there is a strong chance knowing my carelessness, I would have done more damage than inflicted by those whom I paid to do it. For the time being, first thing tomorrow I am sending the device back—I already printed out the slip from Amazon to send it back.

On another note, today after my waxing appointment, feeling too lazy to go to another copy of the Enemy, I went into the one I used to work at, managing not to run into anyone I worked with until my very last round of shopping. It was still strange seeing these people being abused by their end of the Corporate Americana, living through shortened hours and shortened dreams. I would have shared battle scares, mentioning where I work, but there was no point of it. Be it at Nookland or the Enemy, those who control the resources of our daily lives no how to bend us over and give it even harder without any regard with how raw it makes us (physically, socially, mentally, what have you). Somewhere between “1984” and “A Brave New World” we have landed in the brink of living “Brazil”, clicking closer to Armageddon of the Tao’s soul. If we are on the verge of all those tales of this time coming true, before retaliation on both sides of the aisles come for us the weaker minorities, before the shit hits the fan, I’ll be resigned by the fact that I’ll have at least been myself for a short while.

I don’t know where that sidetrack came from, but that is how I have been feeling lately. It is moments like these that make doing this visitation of my previous works much easier, especially my last one.

UPDATED COMMENTARY:

From the original commentary on August 15^th, 2010, in part two/scene two I was compelled to examine the notion of responsibility as the motivation for Kay (i.e. me) quitting a dream. And looking over the scene in question, I can clearly see that is only half true. Given a similar circumstance in my own head at the time, part of what I had felt really beaten down an embarrassed by the fact I was going nowhere fast. Rich (the real one) on the other hand, seemed to have a dedication much akin to that of Mark Borchardt—the filmmaker profiled in “American Movie” (1999)—whereas, I feared sharing the tragedy of that existence. As I have said before, I don’t really believe or commit to anything, I can’t take sides on an issue or go to war for anything, and I can’t dedicate myself to something that is inherently self-defeating, such as an art. That lack of grounding I feel comes across—not so subtly—in the dialogue between Kay and Rich. In reality, I can say without a doubt it where the contention between the real Rich, Groggy-Ego, and I existed. I don’t know, maybe as the author I am reading too much into it. You decide. Here’s Part Two of “The Next Counter”…

“THE NEXT COUNTER”

(pt. 2 of 7)

SCENE II:

MORE THAN HALF A DECADE AGO:

LIGHT is focused on the computer aisle.

Kay is in everyday clothing and his hair is out. He is walking down the aisle with a short man wearing a handmade Forlorn T-Shirt. This man is RICH, the one with a produced film in the present.

Kay is reading through a script, pretending to listen to Rich.

RICH

...So I think it would be great to have Cole stand in front of a mirror and see his reflection...

KAY

Uh-huh.

RICH

...And then have the glass shatters to the many overtones of the ghost’s voices...

KAY

Uh-huh.

RICH

...Then I think it would be great for him to spread his arms like he is being crucified.

KAY

Crucified, yeah that’s real... original.

Rich realizes Kay isn’t paying attention.

RICH

Then Richard Nixon and Optimus Prime will duke it out reffed by Kevin Smith in Vietnam.

KAY

Kevin Smith the ref... It’ll be pretty hot in Nam with that coat... That’ll be a hell of a dream.

RICH

(Stops walking)

Dammit Kay! You’re not listening.

Kay stops and turns to him.

KAY

No, I’m not.

RICH

What the hell? I haven’t seen you in over a year, you have me meet you here and then you act like you don’t care.

KAY

Well...

(sighs)

I don’t.

RICH

Dude!

KAY

Don’t dude, me... Christ, Rich--

RICH

--Hey! Don’t use the Lord’s name in vain.

KAY

Seriously... Not my god, man.

RICH

Atheist!

KAY

Yeah and?

RICH

(Scoffs)

Nothing.

KAY

Exactly, nothing.

(Short Pause)

Rich you have been working on that movies for what? Five years now?

RICH

Four!

KAY

Four years... wow, that’s...

(mulls over)

RICH

What?

KAY

Stupid.

RICH

Stupid?

KAY

For something as insignificant as a movie... a single movie.

RICH

You feel that way about your stuff but I don’t feel that way about my films.

KAY

Four years is a great waste... a waste of time, a waste of effort, a waste of everything... So much has happened... and so much could have happened.

RICH

I’m sure you’re right, but I’m also sure taking this long happened for a reason... God has a plan for me, Kay, a plan for us all... I’m sure he has a good reason for all that has happened. I don’t care if it takes ten years to finish my film, come hell or high water I will finish it.

KAY

Well... “God” Bless you, man... you have a level of tenacity I don’t think I ever had.

RICH

That’s not true.

KAY

I think it is. I can’t put off growing up forever.

RICH

You think I’m not an adult?

KAY

Doing ghost stories are--

(Changes his train of thought)

Look, man, you and Lisa want to be kids for the rest of your lives... She wants to take classes towards no end and you want to make movies. Which is great for you guys, but I feel like I have to be responsible.

(sighs)

And that’s kinda why I’m here today, not just to meet with you, but to swallow my pride and get a job... an actual job.

RICH

Well good luck with that, dude... just don’t grow up too fast, otherwise you might grow old before your time.

KAY

Yeah...

(Scoffs)

We’ll see.

(short pause)

And, man, good luck with the movie. I’m sure something will happen with it.

RICH

Even if it is stupid?

KAY

What do I know, man? You might be right.

RICH

Thanks for saying that.

KAY

Yeah.

RICH

(Extending his hand)

Good luck, Kay.

Kay shakes his hand. The two hug as brothers.

KAY

You too, Rich.

Kay pats Rich on the back and the two part offstage.

LIGHTS FADE.

CLOSING COMMENTARY:

Compared to the Original Closing Commentary, I pointed out I was surprised by how good-natured the conversation between Kay and Rich turned out to be, especially with the amount of anxiety I was feeling at the time. Sufficed to say, working the Department Five Diablo (the Electronics Department) within the Enemy at the time, I figured the greatest cosmic insult to injury would have been seeing his movie in the weekly’s new releases. Granted, that is still a possibility within the cage of Nookland (a secure section for electronic releases within the warehouse), at least I wouldn’t have to stock the fucking thing. I tried to play off writing the conversation—that never took place by the way—as a means of facing a fear, but in hindsight I see it as a way of mocking youthful ambitions. If I had to re-write it today, I would probably have made Kay even less involved in the opening conversation and restored the original distractions from the surroundings they are chatting just to keep it ambiguous. Having an early revelation from Kay this early on kind of deflates the next scene, my favourite scene.

TEASER:

Next week, we catch up to the last scene from the original analysis, my favourite scene. In the present, Kay is confronted by different pieces of his past. If a child’s ambition was set aside for the responsibility of adulthood, then how responsible is it to set aside even more? Does self-inflicted estrangement prove to be the right course of action or will we see even more regret from our androgynous clerk? Find out Next Week in Part Three of “The Next Counter” Revisited.

Saturday, February 16th, 2013 – 10:30 PM PST – (“The Next Counter” Revisited pt.1)

Before I got started, last week I neglected mention that this was going to be a weekly exercise. The reason for that, although this is the Daily Distortions, as you can probably tell, I don’t have the ability to devote daily attention to this (hell, the past few months I have barely been able to devote a monthly effort). So, this is essentially leading up to the week of my birthday, not the day specially. That being said, on with the entry.

Looking back at the original start of the entry Part One on August 8^th, 2010, I realize how pretentious it sounds as well as poignant to my current situation. At the time I make a big spiel about having to move on from my dreams as the person I used to be to become the person I want to be. At the time I was still working at the Enemy and after the fall that my Gallbladder caused, I wasn’t certain as what path to follow since the world seemed to be falling down around me—transition, studying and all. Two and a half years later not much has changed, but in reverse. I have been able to live and work as Keira full-time without having to play any mental games, except one reversion from the Kevin days. Currently I’ve been forced to face what I truly want and having to not be afraid to admit that. Yes I am still working at Nookland as a temp, but it been serving as a learning process for both of my transitions. Taking the Linux+ exam won’t be to prove anything but to myself. Although at the time I was saying farewell to a former ambition, now I am accepting another—another Ouroboros.

UPDATED COMMENTARY:

Part one, essentially scene one, the opening of the play is where we start again. Re-reading my commentary from August 8^th, 2010, and re-reading the opening scene, I have to admit it is rather pretentious and rather obvious who it is about—i.e. Kay to equal me (the mentioning of sunglasses gives that away)—and where it was set—the Electronics Diablo at the Enemy. Set on my actual thirtieth birthday (May 8^th, 2013), what seemed like the future at the time in March to April 2008, still coming off of the shock of failure and then failed economy to add to it, being around many who had given up in life, I had the fear I would be at the Enemy much, much longer than I had anticipated. In reality, I was there nearly four years and shocked I made it that long. Also, I was living in a part-time capacity as myself and really didn’t appreciate the back and forth. No, I didn’t make Kay Lawson an exact copy of me, but my bleak outlook affected how I would see the future, going so far as to make a declaration of the untimely death of Michael J. Fox (partially inspired by a tabloid headline of him looking ill) in the “Back to the Future” (1985) re-imaging report (sufficed to say, the remake of such would be Earth shattering for me at the time).  I want to say, off the bat, I love Michal J. Fox, I don’t wish any harm to man or his foundation—I wouldn’t own all three of his books if I did—but for some reason, I was compelled to make the world I set the play in as bleak as I saw it. And for a film geek (or snob, depending on how you look at it), nothing could hurt more than the remake of a classic franchise following the death of its iconic star.

Granted, as we close in on the real day, the world isn’t much bright—Hollywood is still shitting out remakes and reboots, while the economy is still in even deeper in the shitter; however, looking back now, and looking back at what I said over two years ago, I am still surprised how out of place the stage opening from the rest of the scene, but as whole to the rest of the play, it kinda makes sense. As we delve futher into it, you’ll understand what I mean.

Anyway, without further ado, for the second time, here’s part one of “The Next Counter”…

"THE NEXT COUNTER"

(pt. 1 of 7)

SCENE I:

RAISE CURTAIN:

...to a dark stage, spotlighting a BOOMBOX rested on a table in the centre. The Ghostly echo of the future through the sound of DJ VOICE delivering events to possibly come broadcasts over the device.

DJ VOICE

...Tensions have risen as the war continues on all fronts... Congress will appropriate fifteen trillion for the continued effort.... In local news, the Aces lost 7-6 against the Cubs in the Ninth inning in Chicago, placing our team in last and pushing the Cubbies to first... The Mayor said this becoming the fifth consecutive losing season for the Aces may jeopardize Delusional’s chances for the Olympics in 2028... And finally in entertainment news, Universal confirmed a July 3rd, 2015 release for “Back to the Future: Parallels” which will be thirty years to the day from the 1985 original. Universal is claiming that the new movie is not necessarily continuation or a remake, but a reimagining wherein Marty McFly was originally played by the late Michael J. Fox, in this version Marty will be Marcia McFly portrayed by former Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus... and the Doc will be slightly younger and played by John Torturro of “Transformer” fame as Marcia journey’s back to the eighties.... And that’s news in a minute for KSHT your source for music from the 1990’s, 2000’s and now on this May 8th, 20--

A hand reaches down and presses the off button.

Lights raise to reveal an electronics department within a sandbox store (i.e. Wal-Mart, K-Mart or Target) and thirty-something man wearing sunglasses at night and pulling a pallet jack. This is KAY, and this just so happens to be his birthday and the start of his night at his place of work.

He pulls the cart towards the HALF PODIUM, the central hub of the department, where SIN, a short woman in her early fifties, is ringing up a Customer.

SIN

...Here you go, you have a nice day.

The Customer exits.

SIN

(to Kay)

You on?

KAY

Afraid so.

SIN

You look stressed.

KAY

Why do customers with small cars buy big TV’s?

SIN

Is that what happened to that fifty inch-er?

KAY

Into the frail hatch of a Mazda.

SIN

Christ.

KAY

Like watching a woman give birth in reverse--

SIN

--Only without the stretch marks.

Kay grimaces.

KAY

Chuck is out there smoking to acknowledge that delivery.

SIN

I didn’t think he smoked?

KAY

I didn’t say it was tobacco.

Another associate, JIM an elderly greaser with a obnoxious southern twang, arrives as if he was passing through.

JIM

Right on. I’ll go join him.

KAY

(to Jim)

Back from you break?

JIM

Nope, headin’ to it.

He continues to exit on the other side.

SIN

God he takes a lot of breaks.

KAY

Tell me about it.

SIN

The only two things I ever seen him move are his mouth and his fat ass to the break room.

KAY

The other one is no help. All she ever does is stand around whining, the other half of the time she spends complaining about having to work between pregnancies.

SIN

She takes after him.

KAY

Same big gut and bloated feet... minus the child, of course.

SIN

Yeah I saw that.

(Hands Kay the keys)

Well now that you’re here, I’ll head to the front and--

She spots something offstage.

SIN (CONT’D)

You might want to ditch the jack.

MIKE, a medium height middle aged Hispanic man, a Store Manager accompanied by a younger, yet roughed up assistant, DAVID, walk up.

SIN (CONT’D)

Too late.

DAVID

What the hell are you doing with pallet jack, boy?

MIKE

Boy?

SIN

I admit I’m confused by that one.

KAY

Did we regress two centuries?

DAVID

Hey its been a while since I worked overnights. Gotta get back in the groove.

MIKE

(Rolls his eyes)

Okay,

(Brain fart)

Boy?

SIN

You got stuck on that one.

MIKE

I know... It was just so out of left field.

KAY

(to Mike)

Well if it puts your mind at ease, sir, you’re the only one with the tenure to deliver disparaging and potentially racist remarks.

MIKE

(to Kay)

Damn right, brother...

(raises his hand)

Give me some, love.

Kay high-fives him.

MIKE

Before Master David’s capitulation... Where was I?

DAVID

The pallet jack.

MIKE

Right... I thought we had an agreement... Nothing heavy... No big freight... no big sales... you need to leave the big ones to David or a cashier... leave your empties for the pallet collectors at the end of the night... Under normal circumstances you would be doing go backs or some minor register jockeying... but you’re the only one certified to be here at this hour. (Not to mention, the only one who knows where any of this shit goes.)

DAVID

That goes ditto here.

KAY

(to Mike)

I-I understand that, sir... and I assure you I am following your orders to the Tee.

MIKE

Then explain the jack.

KAY

I was just doing a favor for a fellow associate on my way back from the front. Chuck took out a big TV for a customer.

DAVID

So where is Chucky?

SIN

The same place you’d be if you just pried a fifty-inch into a hybrid.

DAVID

Again?

MIKE

Damn.

SIN

Yeah that was our general consensus.

MIKE

Well you know you’re being watched right now... You know you’ll be under review soon.

KAY

I know, I know... sorry sir.

MIKE

Well watch your ass... you know what I’m saying?

KAY

I know, I know.

MIKE

‘Cuz unemployment isn’t the birthday present you don’t want.

DAVID

Today’s your birthday.

KAY

Uh yes?

DAVID

Ooh...

KAY

(mumbles)

Oh crap.

David walks over to the Podium, picks up the phone for a page and...

DAVID

(speaking into the intercom)

Attention all customers and associates... We have a birthday amongst our happy time group... Our favorite curmudgeon in electronics, the androg we all know and love, Overnight’s very own Electronics Sales Associate... Kay Lawson is growing a year older.

(Calling Kay over)

Say a kind word to your public.

KAY

No thanks.

David pulls him over, pushing the phone into his face.

KAY (CONT’D)

Hi.

DAVID

So Kay, may I call you Kay?

KAY

Sure.

DAVID

Kay... these are questions well all have and I promise not to get too personal.

KAY

Yeah, I’m sure.

DAVID

So Kay... what is that short for?

KAY

Nothing... It is just Kay.

DAVID

That’s it? You’re parents said okay and dropped the “O”?

KAY

That’s about it.

DAVID

Yeah... So what’s with the Sunglasses?

KAY

I’d rather not.

DAVID

Are you sure?

KAY

No comment.

DAVID

Fair enough.

KAY

Thanks.

DAVID

Final question... How old are you today?

KAY

Uh no.

DAVID

C’mon... today has gotta be a monumental number.

KAY

No, no it doesn’t

DAVID

I’m sure it is.

KAY

I assure you it’s not.

DAVID

Come on.

KAY

No.

DAVID

Well you can’t blame a girl for trying... But you heard it here first that it’s Kay Lawson’s birthday today... when you see him wish ‘em a happy birthday Kay... Happy Birthday Kay.... Happy Birthday Kay... and for all your electronics needs--cellphones, ipods and TV’s---see Kay in electronics and wish ‘em a Happy Birthday... Now you may return to you regular scheduled shopping and stocking... Good night and good luck.

He hangs up the phone. Embarrassed, Kay sighs...

KAY

Edward R. Murrow, you are not.

DAVID

Who?

KAY

Never mind.

DAVID

Well Happy Birthday, Kay and I mean it with love.

He hugs Kay squeezing him.

KAY

Thanks.

He slouches his head.

MIKE

(to David)

You done turning him red?

DAVID

I wanted to make ‘em rosey.

MIKE

After that you could at least get him his freight.

DAVID

Aye-aye.

David takes the pallet jack and exits.

MIKE

(to Kay)

Stick to what we said and don’t let the night get to you.

(pause)

Happy Birthday, man.

KAY

Thanks.

Mike exits.

SIN

That was some announcement.

KAY

Yeah.

SIN

You couldn’t be redder.

KAY

Oh I definitely could.

SIN

Oh I don’t know...

(Singing)

Happy Birthday to you, you live in a zoo, you smell like a--

KAY

--Okay. Thank you.

SIN

Hey, I’m just trying to cheer you up.

KAY

That’s a given. But don’t you have a front to attend to?

SIN

Oh, all right... I’ll talk to you later.

KAY

Later.

Sin exits.

Jim returns with a bit of glee on his face.

JIM

So today’s your birthday?

KAY

Oh crap...

(sighs)

Yes, yes it is my birthday.

JIM

Another year older.

KAY

Yeah.

JIM

The big... what?

KAY

None of your business.

JIM

Ah c’mon give Jim a chance.

KAY

(Sigh)

Fine... I’m entering my mid-thirties and another year closer to forty and let’s leave it at that.

JIM

I thought you were older.

KAY

Yeah most people think so.

JIM

It’s the way you talk.

KAY

Speak.

JIM

See... but you still look like a kid--

David returns, grabbing Kay by the cheeks.

DAVID

--And a beautiful one at that.

KAY

Ouch... thanks

(Looks around)

No freight?

DAVID

Didn’t get it yet... Mike forgot to hand you this.

He holds up two envelopes.

DAVID (CONT’D)

He told me to tell you you’re not supposed to receive personal mail here.

He hands Kay the envelopes.

Kay looks.

KAY

One’s a card from the company.

DAVID

The other isn’t.

JIM

Whose it from?

KAY

(flat)

A publishing company.

JIM

Aren’t you gonna open it.

KAY

Uh...

(crumbles the envelope)

No.

He throws it away.

DAVID

Hey, that could’ve been the one.

KAY

I doubt it.

JIM

You’ve been rejected that much?

KAY

Enough not to bother.

JIM

Ouch, man, that’s cold... even on your birthday?

KAY

Yes, even today... on the day that is today as Mister Subtly here pointed out.

DAVID

Anything to get the word out there.

KAY

Don’t you have freight to fetch?

DAVID

Hey! I’m your boss.

KAY

Not until my freight materializes on the floor.

DAVID

Who says?

KAY

Mike... so if you’d please... the clock is ticking, after all.

David exits.

KAY

So where were we?

JIM

You’re birthday

KAY

Yes, yes that is today.

JIM

So what you got planned? Going out to get blitz and get laid with some hot chick?

KAY

Hardly.

JIM

Some guy?

Kay grimaces at him.

KAY

Another Mister Subtle.

JIM

Well you never talk about your personal life or being with a girl.

KAY

So you go straight for the jugular and chastise my sexuality?

MARLEY, a short Hispanic woman in her twenties, enters.

MARLEY

It’s not hard you’ve always been a bit gay.

KAY

Thanks.

JIM

And what’s his name?

KAY

Thanks, thank you, you’re no help.

MARLEY

Oh I bet it’s the new guy in pets under Matt.

JIM

Yeah, he’s definitely Kay’s type.

KAY

And this is payback for what exactly?

MARLEY

It is just birthday humor. Lighten up. You take things way too seriously.

David brings out a pallet.

KAY

(under his breathe)

Freight, thank god.

He walks over to the pallet that is half covered by a PDQ.

DAVID

Here you go chief.

Kay looks at it...

KAY

This is a new movie release.

DAVID

Yeah?

KAY

Today’s not Tuesday.

DAVID

The movie lady said to bring it out.

KAY

Okay, fine... Then set it here and take the old one.

DAVID

The empty one?

KAY

That’s the one.

DAVID

So we’re replacing it with this?

KAY

That’s the general idea.

DAVID

Sweet.

David swaps out the two PDQ’s and leaves.

KAY

Thanks.

(Sighs)

Time for the unveiling.

JIM

I thought you weren’t allowed to lift anything heavy?

KAY

A thin piece of cardboard won’t kill me, Jim.

JIM

Suit yourself.

(Reaching out)

Can I get the keys?

Kay removes the keys from his belt and hands them to Jim.

JIM (CONT’D)

Thanks, Boss.

He walks off. Kay salutes him.

Kay takes out his box-cutter and cuts off the top, tossing it to the side. He takes the cardboard by the sides, pulling off the remains in one piece.

He folds it and looks back.

He’s taken out of himself from the sight of the release.

In big bold red letters the side panel of the PDQ reads: “FORLORN”.

KAY

No... no way.

He picks up a copy of the movies and reads the cover.

KAY (CONT’D)

Holy shit.

            (short pause)

He did it.

LIGHT FILTERS DOWN.

TO BE CONTINUED…..

CLOSING COMMENTARY:

So there you have it, part one—for my original closing commentary, mosey on over to the original entry. Re-reading, I am struck by how much Sin, Jim, Mike, David and Marley still ring as their real world counterparts in my head. Yes, I was ringing that old writer’s bell of: “Write what you know,” which is odd because before then I would stay away from such action, afraid of the ramifications from the real people if they ever found out I was writing about them. I’m not sure what it was, but by the time I started writing the play, that fear had subsided probably because I didn’t think anyone would believe these people existed—not in the exact same capacities, yet close enough—and I was fairly certain none of these people would ever read my work (or see it if it ever became a produced play). Now that I think about it, I’ll definitely have my work cut out for me when I record the play (or at least, re-record that section—like the writing process, I have to record the opening last).

TEASER:

Next week, we get our first glimpse into Kay’s sorted past. What was “Forlorn” and who was this “He” Kay spoke of? Will we know what prompted Kay to abandon his dreams or will we open up an even greater mystery? Find out Next Week in Part Two of “The Next Counter” Revisited.