A Ghostly Past Revised
A Ghostly Past
Discovered: March 23, 2021
Revised: May 1, 2021
Tags: Script
Author’s note: I think the best way to read this, is to read it once. Figure out what is their real situation. And then read it again with that in mind.
A father is sitting in the dark, camped in the living room. His daughter, climbs down the ladder from the attic, holding a box of belongings. She pulls out a few flashlights and places them on the table before plopping down on the ground, opposite of him and begins to fiddle with the things in the box. Her father also has a box of things. They are preparing themselves for the night ahead in a blackout.
FATHER
So (a beat). How was your day?
DAUGHTER
I haven’t seen it, fortunately. I guess I’d ask how’s yours?
FATHER
A rocky start, but it’s getting better, fortunately (a beat). Found anything interesting? Or maybe something spooky to tell (he shines his flashlight up from below his chin)?
DAUGHTER
Doubt it (unamused).
They continue to rummage through their things. Father hands over a tomato.
FATHER
Tomato?
DAUGHTER
One tomato? Did you happen to find half a steak in that box as well?
FATHER
What about a salad?
DAUGHTER
Ah, unfortunately, maybe you missed the year, but I’m trying to find more opportunities to say no. Though oddly, I couldn’t find any of those paper towels, timid things. Maybe it’s hibernation season.
FATHER
Ah. Who knows. Can you pass me those paper towels?
DAUGHTER
Napkins, it’s the scientific term.
Father rolls his eyes.
DAUGHTER (CONT’D)
It’s really times like these we need more attentive people, otherwise, they might start to forget the bills and start raising their entire families in darkness.
FATHER
Agreed. The mail people should really get on it and pay more attention to their work habits. That early in the morning (he scoffs)? No wonder nobody gets sleep around here. That plus the dogs. I bet they get quite a few complaints.
Silence.
FATHER (CONT’D)
Why don’t you talk to me?
A beat.
DAUGHTER
I’m sorry. Did I dream about that singular tomato? I gotta be honest, it was surprisingly green.
Father tosses the tomato back.
FATHER
No, it’s green. I think it got stuck that way after I summoned that ghost with it. Speaking of which, I haven’t seen him today.
DAUGHTER
Probably pissed off you didn’t call them earlier for the ten past years since they’ve been dead.
Silence.