Title: The Hidden Cost
By Michael Amankwah
Characters:
VINCE: A street-smart drug dealer.
MARCUS: A young, impressionable teenager.
NINA: Marcus’s friend, a voice of reason.
Setting:
A city street. There’s a park bench and some scattered litter. A small amount of foot traffic in the background.
Scene 1
(VINCE is casually strolling down the street, looking around. He spots MARCUS and NINA walking together. VINCE spots a five-pound note on the ground and calls out.)
VINCE: (Approaching the kids with a friendly smile) Hey, look at that. Is that five pounds I see on the ground?
MARCUS: (Glancing at the note, then back at VINCE) Uh, yeah, I guess it is.
NINA: (Nods cautiously) Yeah, but it’s not ours.
VINCE: (Feigning surprise) Oh, really? Well, if it’s there, it must be for someone, right? Why don’t you take it? It’s not every day you find free money.
MARCUS: (Hesitates) I don’t know. Maybe someone will come back for it.
VINCE: (Chuckles) Come on, it’s just lying there. No harm in picking it up. Besides, you might need it.
NINA: (Whispers to MARCUS) I think we should just leave it. It feels kinda weird.
MARCUS: (Reluctantly) Okay, fine. (Picks up the note and pockets it) Thanks.
(VINCE gives a knowing smile and walks away.)
Scene 2
(A few days later, VINCE reappears. MARCUS and NINA are sitting on the park bench. VINCE approaches with a menacing air.)
VINCE: (Grinning) Hey there, Marcus. How’s it going?
MARCUS: (Surprised) Oh, hi. I didn’t expect to see you again.
VINCE: (Casually) Yeah, I know. I’ve been meaning to talk to you. Remember that five pounds you picked up? You owe me that money now.
MARCUS: (Confused) What are you talking about? I thought it was free.
VINCE: (Slyly) No, no. Nothing’s free in this world. You owe me five pounds. And if you don’t pay up, there’s going to be trouble.
NINA: (Rises, alarmed) What kind of trouble?
VINCE: (Menacingly) The kind you don’t want to deal with. Unless you want to work off that debt. I’ve got a little job for you. Just deliver something for me. No questions asked.
MARCUS: (Nervous) What kind of job?
VINCE: (Smiling) Don’t worry about it. It’s easy. Just take this package and drop it off where I tell you.
NINA: (Firmly) Marcus, don’t do it. This doesn’t sound right.
MARCUS: (Panicked) I don’t have a choice. What if he really does something?
VINCE: (Grinning) Smart kid. Don’t worry, it’s just a little errand. And after this, you’ll be square with me.
(MARCUS reluctantly takes the package from VINCE, who leaves with a satisfied smirk. NINA looks on, worried.)
Scene 3
(Later, MARCUS is seen walking through the park, holding the package with a troubled expression. NINA catches up to him.)
NINA: (Urgently) Marcus, this is wrong. We need to go to the police or get help.
MARCUS: (Distraught) I can’t. I’m scared. What if something happens to me or my family?
NINA: (Desperate) But this isn’t the way out. You’re being used. We need to find another way. There’s always a way out if you stand up for yourself.
MARCUS: (Pauses, conflicted) I don’t know if I have the courage.
NINA: (Encouragingly) You do. We’ll face this together. We’ll find help. It’s not too late.
(MARCUS looks at NINA, considering her words. The scene fades out as MARCUS finally nods, determination starting to show.)
(End of Play)
Final Note: The hidden cost of quick fixes and seemingly free offers can lead to dangerous consequences. If you find yourself in a tough spot or pressured to do something that feels wrong, remember: it's never too late to seek help. Always choose integrity over immediate gain, and reach out to trusted adults, friends, or authorities if you're in trouble. Standing up for yourself and making the right choices can lead to a safer and more fulfilling path. ©2024 EPIC EXPRESSIONS
Your work is a great contribution to our group Michael, sparking meaningful reflections on the challenges of life and the strength it takes to make the right decisions. Keep inspiring us with your thought-provoking writing. We're grateful to have you as part of our community, epic expressions indeed!! 😍