I was in the shower and I began picturing this scene. I don’t know who these people are yet, or where this scene is going, but it’s something new.
(The stage is empty except for a large, alien-looking tree, all twisted trunks and ripe-looking fruit. A slight breeze seems to be passing through and making the leaves gently ripple, or perhaps it is our imagination.
A man – tall, dressed in a sharp, dark business suit and clutching a briefcase in one hand, slowly walks onstage. He peers cautiously around until he is sure the coast is clear, and then he walks directly up to the tree and begins attempting to pick a piece of fruit. He does this without ever loosening his grip on the handle of the briefcase. All of the fruit seems to be too high at first, but he finally manages to get a grip on one and tear it off the branch.
Sometime during all this – we did not notice, it seems – a woman wearing a light, flowery dress and holding a double-barrel rifle walked in from behind the man, who didn’t notice either.
He buffs the fruit on the lapel of his suit jacket, inspects it, and is about to take a bite, when the woman – gun at ready – finally speaks up.)
WOMAN
Don’t. Eat. That.(At the sound of her voice, the man freezes, mouth open, fruit at the ready. After a few loud, slow milliseconds, he carefully turns around and holds out the piece of fruit to her.)
MAN
Pardon me. (Pause.) Is this your orchard?WOMAN
Put it down. On the ground. Here in front of me.MAN
No worries, no worries. No need to get so worked up over a little piece of fruit.(The man walks slowly over and places the fruit a few feet in front of the woman. She covers him the whole time. After he has backed away, and is an equal distance from the fruit and the tree itself, the woman walks over, gingerly picks up the fruit, and wraps it carefully in a piece of soft paper. She puts the parcel away and then turns back to the man.)
WOMAN
You’re a long way from the office. (Pause.) What’s in the briefcase?MAN
(Looks at the case, then at her.)
Papers. Business cards. One of those magazines they give you on an airplane. Nothing interesting.WOMAN
Must be important stuff, though… Couldn’t you put it down to pick some fruit?MAN
Listen, I’m… sorry I trespassed on your land, ma’am, but I’m a bit lost and I got hungry. If you’ll point me in the direction of the nearest highway, I’d be happy to be on my way.WOMAN
Highways? (Pause.) Oh, there’s no highways around here, I’m afraid.
Another fragment: “I want you to see things clearly, with sharpened eyes.”