"Hell After This"

Layla is sitting at the playground with her child. One of the other mothers sit on the bench next to her. It’s late afternoon on a chilly fall day. She’s adjusting the young child’s coat.

Layla: All fixed. Now you’ll be warm. Go ahead. You “better run” and catch up with your friends.

Layla watches as her child runs to join the others.

Layla: It feels so weird to not be at the park with my husband. (correcting herself and straightening up) My ex-husband. On days like these I miss having him, no matter how distant he could be. It’s beautiful days like today that people “fall in love.” All you need is a cool breeze underneath this bright blue sky. Forget everything “just for an afternoon.”

That tree over there. I’m sure many a lovers have etched their initials into the trunk. They’ve felt time stop. When “lovin’ goes too slow” and everything seems so perfect. The “light moves alone” through the branches and swallows the lovers as they nap underneath.

Music starts to play in the distance. This is as if a car has their windows rolled down and the song is a too loud. Nothing harsh. An indie rock song is playing (like Death Cab For Cutie in essence.)

Layla: I remember this “song that plays.” It’s been a while. Since college. It “makes me miss” him even more and reminds me of “all that I’ve lost.” It’s been a hard 6 months. If someone would have told me that it would have ended up in such a mess I would have laughed them into oblivion. Guess now they can all laugh. We were supposed to love one another “till the sun goes down.” That’s a silly metaphor, but it worked for us. It was in his vows.

The other woman waves her child over and the two exit. Neither say a word. Layla’s child is still playing by him/herself.  The lights start to dim, signifying dusk fast approaching.

Layla: Come along now. You know the rules. We have to pack up when “the lights go on” in the houses around the park. (pointing) See there, there, and there. Slowly they’re coming on. Let’s get ready to grab some dinner on the way home. We can get your favorite.

(to her child who is now walking next to her)

This has been a great day. “This feeling I’m fine” that you and I are going to be alright. We’re going to figure it out. I promise.

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