An experimental two-man play

A: I’m just going to make a phone call. I’ll see you in a minute when it’s time to do the voting. I’m pointing at the chair and the button in case you don’t understand what I am saying to you in words. Voting button, yes? You understand? That button? Vote? I’ll see you at the vote, as no one ever says. I’m pointing to it for emphasis.

B: I can’t see what you’re pointing to. I’m only looking at your face. So you’re going to make a phone call, eh?

But you won’t be leaving the chamber, will you?

A: Yes, making a phone call. Leaving the chamber?

Mmmm. Probably not. But who can say how these things turn out. I might end up just walking out of the whole complex! Ha ha.

B: So are you leaving the chamber or not? I’m certainly getting the impression you are not. Am I right? Is that the impression you’re giving me? That you are staying in the chamber.

A: I’m not asking you to vote for me.

B: What?

A: I, eh, just wanted to make that clear. I’m not asking you to vote for me. I’m clear on that.

B: Why are you saying that? Are you hinting that I should vote for you?

A: Let’s be clear. Do not vote for me. I am not asking you to push that button there that I’m pointing at, to vote for me.

B: I can’t see where you’re pointing. I’m looking at your face.

A: OK then, I’ll see you at the vote.

B: So you’ll be back for the vote?

A: Em. Sure. Yeah. Well… gotta make that call.

Walks off muttering to self. Better make that call in my office. I know the young crowd now all make calls anywhere and everywhere on their so-called iPhones and facebukes and whatever. But I’m going back to my office to make it on a rotary phone, a proper, oldfashioned phone call.

B: Well, he’s gone. But something tells me he is still in the chamber. I can feel his presence… Oh, it’s time to vote. And he’s not back.

I wonder will I just maybe vote for him. He was clear he didn’t want me to, but I love him so much. And it’s not as if anyone is watching or will ever know. It’s not as if there are cameras everywhere broadcasting this live.

I suppose I should look around and see if he’s still in the chamber before I do that, but that would be so much trouble. I’d have to move my head and my eyes at the very least. I think

I’ll just assume he’s here, making his call. That’s the impression I got anyway.

SCENE 2

B: A’s still not back and I’ve voted six times for him now. But I’ve just had a funny unexplainable feeling. I think I should stop voting for him now. Six is enough. Eight would be tearing it. Yes, for no reason whatsoever, I think I’ll stop doing it now. No harm done.