A SPOONFUL OF SINIGANG BY JEFFREY LO (DOWNLOAD PDF HERE)
MARY ANNE’s kitchen.
RANDY sits at the counter.
MARY ANNE: It’s good that you visit.
RANDY: I’m just glad. I was free.
MARY ANNE: I’m your mom.
RANDY: I know.
MARY ANNE: And it’s good that you visit.
RANDY: It is.
MARY ANNE: I’m cooking you your favorite.
RANDY: Thinks mom.
MARY ANNE: Sinigang. That’s your favorite, diba?
RANDY: Yes mom.
MARY ANNE: See? I remember.
RANDY: You do mom.
MARY ANNE: Because you’re my son. And I love my son.
RANDY: I love you too, mom.
MARY ANNE: It is good that you visit.
RANDY: And thank you for cooking my favorite.
MARY ANNE: You know who doesn’t visit?
RANDY: I bet I can guess.
MARY ANNE: Your brother.
RANDY: He’s probably busy.
MARY ANNE: Doing what?
RANDY: I don’t know. He doesn’t call.
MARY ANNE: Exactly.
RANDY: He texts me sometimes.
MARY ANNE: Who texts first?
RANDY: Me.
MARY ANNE: Who texts last?
RANDY: Me.
Pause.
MARY ANNE: Well it’s good that you visit.
RANDY: Yeah…
MARY ANNE: At least I have one good son.
RANDY: You have two sons.
MARY ANNE: One good son. Don’t argue.
RANDY: And a daughter.
MARY ANNE: What?
RANDY: You have a good daughter.
MARY ANNE: Of course. I know that.
RANDY: Ok.
MARY ANNE: But I’m not talking about her right now.
RANDY: Of course.
MARY ANNE: I am talking about you.
RANDY: Right.
MARY ANNE: You are my good son.
Beat.
MARY ANNE: I am so proud of you.
RANDY: …
RANDY stares at the clock.
MARY ANNE: Randy?
RANDY: Huh?
MARY ANNE: I said I am so proud of you.
RANDY: Oh. Thanks mom.
MARY ANNE: You’re welcome. I love you, son.
RANDY: I love you too, mom.
MARY ANNE puts the sinigang into a bowl.
MARY ANNE: How long can you stay today?
RANDY: Um, not too long, actually.
MARY ANNE: Oh.
RANDY: Sorry. I’ll probably just stay for dinner and head out.
MARY ANNE: Ok. Well –
RANDY: Sorry.
MARY ANNE: You better bring some sinigang home.
RANDY: Ok.
MARY ANNE: You’re favorite.
RANDY: My favorite.
MARY ANNE: I’ll go put some in a Tupperware for you. I’ll be back.
RANDY: Thanks mom.
MARY ANNE: It’s good you visit your mom.
MARY ANNE exits.
Silence.
Beat
RANDY eats a spoonful of sinigang.
Beat..
RANDY stands from the counter.
Beat.
RANDY exits.
END OF PLAY.