"Title" Written by Your Name (1st/5th period)

1-2 sentence line description of the Monologue & Character.

For example: (Henrietta, a 25 year old female, is in her parked car staring into darkness as she thinks about her lover.)

Monologue Text.

Be sure to include the gestures, pauses, etc.

You keep telling me that I’m crazy, but you don’t know what this (pause)  maniac has done to me! I was 7 years old. (tone shifts from angry to calm-ish)It was a beautiful day outside, the birds were singing, the flowers were blooming, It was the perfect day. I saw a beautiful rainbow form right in front of me, as if it wanted me to explore it, (pause) I did. I get to the end dumbfounded. “Where are the Lucky Charms?” I said. (he gets angrier as the story continues) Rightfully so I might add. In all of his commercials there were lucky charms at the end of the rainbow, SO WHERE WERE MY LUCKY CHARMS?! They were nowhere to be found as if they weren’t meant to be found at all. (pause) LIES ALL LIES!! There were never any Lucky Charms (cuts off as if he was going to say more) (pause)  he knew that. Lucky (pause) just saying his name makes me sick. I met him after the incident. So naturally I ask about the Lucky Charms. Make a guess as to what he did hm? (Slams desk while saying slammed)(angry tone) He slammed his door in my face. As- as if I didn’t exist. Ever since that day it has been my life’s mission to KILL Lucky. You think I won’t? you think I can’t do it? You  think that this isn’t me? IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN ME! SINCE THE DAY THIS LEPRECHAUN TOOK WHAT WAS RIGHTFULLY MINE. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN ME! (Calms down) (pause) That’s why when I find him, (Takes a deep breath) I’ll make sure he knows that I exist. (Sits down) So help me god (angry tone) there will be nothing Lucky about those damn charms. (calmer tone) When I find him, take our son and start a new life, a better life. One without me in it. Because after I’m done eviscerating him I’ll turn myself into the police. When I do, don’t be sad. Be happy that I am taking down a tyrant. Listen, everything will be okay, okay? Let’s go back to bed.

After crashing a kid sized pink car, Buzz the Young Thug is sent to a state mandated therapy session. In that session he will talk about stuff like his plug, racks, women, and all sorts of things the usual thug talks about.

BUZZ LIGHTYEAR: What up what up cuh. It's me Buzz Lightyear gang and I'm a young thuuug. If my voice sounds funny it's because of the voice box thing. It's been wilden ever since the crash. Now let me tell you how I get my supply [hits a dap]. My plug [hits another dap] sells it. He has all sorts of green plants but I usually go with the Devil’s beard, Santa’s snowball, and Grinche’s hair. I usually go with Momma's Bush. It's stronger and gives me a better high. OH… [fidgets a bunch] Listen gang, I make my money by going to the alley way and waiting for people. [hits a dap] When those people arrive they pay me and I do things for them. I don't know how much I make but I make a lot of money. I used to make tons of money and it was through my rap career. I don't know what happened to it but I might come back to it soon. [hits dap] One of the ways I run this street gang is through the women cuh. Some might say I am straight pimpin, but really I just love women. One thing that the women love about me is my “buttons”. [hits a dap then fidgets] My buttons dont work so I have to hit it a couple of times [hits left side 3 times] Listen gang it works now. [Press first button then speak normally] To infinity and beyond. This one is a funny gang. It could be Spanish or German. [press 2nd button speak in a German accent] Ich bin ein Künstler (I want to be an artist). The last button on my chest just pops out my wings cuh [shake the wings]. Now listen closely young thug, the women love this button the most because its a big red laser. They like it when it hits their face and they find it funny when it shoots everywhere [press right shoulder and aim the laser everywhere]. Now I am in this empty freakin room because– NOW LISTEN they are framing me cuh they are saying that I was drunk and crap and that I stole a little kids pink car, went down the hill and hit a bump and launched myself. I didn't do it cause a young thug like me wouldn't be caught lackin doing something white like that. About what I find fake I think they be lying about landing on the moon gang. [hits a dap] you can't trust that orange dude sometimes, but he is a cool guy and I think he is a good president. I don't think the earth is round cuh. The scientist be trying to convince you with the tylenol that the earth is round but really it's flat as hell cuh. [start to cry] I– I miss Jessieeee. She is my one and only gaaaang. [sniffle] I love my red heads. They give the best in everything. [cry then hit a dap] Last time I called Jessie she was at a party and she be talkin bout, "I got a friend in me,” and I dont know if she is being metaphorical or not gaaang. [cry harder] AND I DONT KNOW IF ITS THE GREEN TREX OR THE HOOORSE. [calm down a bit but sniffle] I miss Woody though. He was my day one and he was a real thug. Its just I feel like hes a little bit too white. I JUST… I just really wish they called back. [gets a call] Oh crap gang [switch to normal voice] it’s Woody. Yeah… uh huh. He's gonna come visit. Listen cuh thank you for listening Im going to go now gang.

Hayami:

(scene begins with Hayami standing up from her seat with a microphone, brushing off her pants and fixing herself to seem more presentable. She clears her throat) Good evening everyone. For those who don’t know, my name is Hayami, and I’m Melody’s best friend. (She makes eye contact with her briefly before composing herself) She’s been my first and closest friend ever since I first left home to study at Ganymede University. We first met nine years ago, but it truly feels like we’ve known each other forever. I don’t know what things would’ve been like if we hadn’t met, and I honestly wouldn’t have preferred it any other way. 

(she takes a brief pause to think)

But what I wanted to talk about is how happy I am for you and Maven on this extraordinary day. Ever since we first met in band class, you’ve shown non-stop growth in everything you do. You were the only person I knew who could somehow wheedle her way into getting a higher grade than me. Even through all the vigorous assignments and brutal exams, you stayed patient and that’s what I’ve always admired about you. You just… never gave up. Not on me, not on anything.

(pause)

I remember the days we’d go on long walks and talk for hours on trivial things that didn’t really matter at all. Or when we’d talk shit between classes in your car about our professors. Or maybe the quieter days when you needed help with schoolwork. And all the times we ignored all our responsibilities for a moment to watch the sunset on the bridge while our legs dangled over the edge between the railing bars… (her voice softens) and when the light hits your hair the right way. It looks like pure rose gold. 

(she locks eyes with Melody)

But anyone with a working pair of eyes could clearly see that you don’t need any source of light to be as radiant as you are. Because I know I do. (long silence)

(she catches herself smiling like an idiot and clears her throat)

And.. uh.. That person better treat you right. Starting with a proper ring. I’m looking at you, Maven. (pause)

But all jokes and sentimentals aside… I cannot express how much delight I feel just standing here in front of you both. Even though it feels kind of like he’s taking you away from me. (she chuckles before her voice softens) I wouldn’t have it any other way..

(she picks up her glass from the table and lifts it up)

A toast, to my lovely Edelweiss. 

Okay, so… full honesty. I wrote this speech yesterday. Half-drunk. Sorry, Mom. 

 And yes I was the one who put the Harry potter on my binders instead of regular ones.

 While other kids were sneaking out to go partying I was the one sneaking out the library, I was the kid. I could be riding actual horses yea sure but i would rather imagine me a riding a fire breathing horse while reading,   i  know i know typical nerd my parents were perplexed you can be partying in our pool, or use our tennis court, but you want inside and watch another harry potter series again” and i was like “its called being a fan mom”   just like how you say “oh ow i wish i can just see brad pitt and luoucs abs” first of all eww. 

But yea.,... i missed a lot of my childhood and teen experiences. No wild stories like how my dad got arrested for trying to steal beer from a liquor store or my mom wrecked her bugatti into a military base. Lucky our grandfather was the general of the base, crazy right…

A few weeks ago  it hit me it hit me hard - like no retakes-no 

(ALLIE JAYE sits alone at a desk in an empty classroom. The fluorescent lights buzz faintly. She holds a crumpled test paper and stares at it for a moment before speaking.)

ALLIE JAYE:
(softly) Have you ever studied something so hard you start dreaming about it?
Like, you close your eyes and it’s still there, math equations floating behind your eyelids, whispering “remember me.”

(She lets out a small laugh that quickly fades.)

That was me. Two weeks. Two long weeks of studying. Flashcards. Notes. Coffee. No sleep. No friends. Just me… and this test.

(She unfolds the paper, stares at it, then sighs deeply.)

Seventy-two.
(sees it again)
Seventy-two.

It’s funny how a number can feel like a punch in the stomach.

(beat, she looks toward the teacher’s empty desk)

I knew the material. I knew it. Every formula, every definition. But somehow… this test, this rigged test, makes me look like I barely tried.

(angrily, mimicking her teacher)
“It was a fair assessment, Allie Jaye.”
Fair? Fair would be testing what you actually taught! Fair would be grading the right answer, even if it doesn’t match your precious answer key!

(She slams the paper down and leans back, frustrated.)

I shouldn’t be this mad. It’s just one test. One tiny mistake.
(pause)
But it doesn’t feel that way. It feels like proof. Proof that maybe I’m not as smart as everyone thinks I am.

(She looks away, quieter now.)

Everyone expects me to be perfect. My parents. My teachers. Even my friends. “You’ve got this, Allie!” they say. “You always do great.”
But what happens when I don’t? What happens when I fail?

(Pause. She looks down at her hands, voice trembling slightly.)

You know what’s worse than failing? Feeling like no one cares why you failed.
I tried to tell you something was off, Mr. Reynolds. I really did.
You didn’t even look up from your desk.
(gritting her teeth)
“Grades reflect effort,” you said.

Effort. Right.
If effort mattered, I’d have a perfect score tattooed across my forehead by now.

(She stands up suddenly, pacing. Her voice rises, emotional and raw.)

I’m tired. Tired of chasing perfection. Tired of being scared that one bad grade means I’m a failure.
(beat)
You know what? Maybe this test wasn’t about chemistry. Maybe it was about me.

(She stops pacing and looks out the classroom window, her tone softening.)

Because somewhere between memorizing formulas and filling in bubbles, I forgot that I’m more than this.
More than paper.
More than ink.
More than a grade.

(Pause. She breathes in, steadying herself.)

I went back. I checked every question. And guess what?
(smiles faintly)
You made a mistake. You.
When I showed you, you fixed it. Just like that.
All that panic, all that crying in the bathroom… over a mistake that wasn’t even mine.

(She sits back down slowly, calmer now.)

I thought speaking up would make me look weak.
But it didn’t. It made me feel strong.
Maybe stronger than I’ve ever been.

(She folds the test neatly and places it in her backpack.)

So yeah, maybe this test did teach me something after all.
Not about atoms or equations… but about balance.
The kind that matters. The kind inside me.

(She looks around the empty classroom one last time, speaking quietly but confidently.)

I’ll still study. I’ll still care. But next time… I won’t let a number decide who I am.
(pause)
Because I’m learning. And that’s enough.

(Lights fade as she sits in silence, head held high.)

We begin in Kevin’s office where he plays games and he is in the middle of building windows around a pool to trap sims in the pool and let them drown.

Kevin: Now we just have to finish building the windows around the pool aaand we are done. Now their families and friends can watch them drown while I sit and laugh ahahah.

FBI then come barging in his room looking for somebody else but notice his screen and take him away. HEY WHY IS THE FBI IN MY HOUSE WHAT  ARE YOU GUYS DOING!! THIS IS THE WRONG HOUSE YOU GOT THE WRONG GUY (Pause as he gets dragged out of his home)  This is outrageous all I did was drown sims in the pool THIS ISN'T EVEN REAL!!

He’s then thrown in the Psychiatric ward with a straight jacket and he struggles (struggles around in the straight jacket) LET ME OUT OF HERE!!! THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS I CAN BARELY MOVE IN HERE 

(He sighs and gives up and lays on his side of the floor and days pass while he goes insane)  (staring blankly into nothingness) how can I escape this place. I wanna go home, it’s been 17 days.

(He sees an escape hole and crawls over to it and his eyes get a bit of hope) Wait, is that an escape, how did I not see this hole for so long.

(He crawls through and the straight jacket disappears magically and his eyes widen) wait who is that?

(He sees a man and it’s Jim pickens)

(Gasps) JIM PICKENS!!? Oh how I’ve longed to see you, you handsome young but old man, you know with your beautiful beard and striking bald spot on the top of your head

(Jim pickens says something but he isn’t loud enough so Kevin looks in confusion what? Ich bin dein retter und oberherr jim pickens?

(Kevin has a moment of realization) Ohhhhh you’re my savior and overlord Jim Pickens, yes you certainly are Jim ahahah

(Kevin then gets hit by an object and passes out) wha!?

(Kevin wakes up and realizes it was all a dream but he’s still in the ward) oh god what happened- wait JIM PICKENS!? WHERE ARE YOU!! NOOO 

(Kevin sobs for a second) when will this nightmare end!!

(Kevin notices people walk in and looks up)  what? It’s only been 2 hours!? I’m cooked man..

You know… people always say being a teenager is supposed to be the best time of your life.

They say, “Enjoy it while it lasts.”

But how can I enjoy it when it feels like nobody really sees me?

I try so hard to be the good daughter — polite, quiet, responsible.

I do what I’m told, get good grades, and stay out of trouble.

But sometimes, it feels like no matter how much I do, it’s never enough.

There’s always a “Why can’t you be more like her?” waiting for me.

And every time I hear that, a small piece of me disappears.

(pauses, fidgeting with a pen)

They think I’m just being emotional.

They say I’m too young to understand.

But what if they’re the ones who don’t understand me?

I smile a lot — that’s my way of surviving.

Because if I ever say I’m sad, I’ll just get another lecture about how lucky I am.

So I keep quiet.

I write in this journal instead.

It’s the only place that listens without judging.

It never tells me I’m being dramatic.

It never compares me to anyone else.

It just… listens.

(glances out the window)

Sometimes I wonder what it would feel like to be heard — really heard.

To have someone look at me and say, “I get it. You’re not alone.”

But I’m learning that maybe growing up isn’t about waiting for others to understand you.

Maybe it’s about understanding yourself.

(smiles softly)

So I’ll keep writing.

I’ll keep speaking — even if my voice shakes.

Because my feelings are real.

And just because they don’t see them… doesn’t mean they don’t matter.

One day, I’ll be strong enough not to need their approval.

But for now… I just need to be honest.

I’m not okay — but I’m trying.

And maybe, that’s enough for today.

(She closes her journal, wipes a tear, and takes a deep breath as the lights fade.)

Period: 5th

Title of monologue:

Lost in USA at Table 5

(A Korean tourist, Jiho, visits an American restaurant alone. He tries to order food in English but keeps getting misunderstood. After a series of funny mix-ups, he finds a way to laugh it off.)

Jiho:

(Enters holding a menu, looking nervous but excited) Okay, okay… I can do this. I practiced this on YouTube! (deep breath) “Hello, I would like to order chicken sandwich, please.” Easy!

(Waves to imaginary waiter) Hello! Yes, I want chicken sandwich!

(Waiter replies quickly, Jiho blinks, confused) Huh? No, not cheese, chicken! Chiii-ken!

(Smiles awkwardly) Yes, yes, chicken sandwich. (nods proudly) See? English master right here.

(A minute later, looks at plate in shock) Wait—this is cheese! Where’s my chicken?!

(Leans closer, dramatic tone) Maybe my pronunciation… too Korean?

(Takes sip of drink, then chokes) Ack! That’s not water, that’s wine! (waves hands in panic) I said “water!” Not “wine!” Waa-ter!

(Looks up, sighs loudly) Maybe I said it too fast. English people talk like du-du-du-du, so I tried same!

(Tries again, louder) Okay, sorry! Can I have waaa-ter? (listens to fast waiter voice again, squints) Huh? You want ID? No, I don’t want wine! I want water! WATER!

(Slaps forehead, muttering) Why is English so hard…

(Throws up hands, frustrated) Every time I say one word, they hear another! (sarcastic) Maybe next time I just say “surprise me!”

(Looks at food, sighs, then starts to laugh softly) Okay fine. Not chicken. Not water. But maybe… still good?

(Takes bite, pauses, nods approvingly) Mmm. You know what? Maybe food don’t need English. Just eat!

(Smiles proudly, talking to audience) Next time, I just point to picture. Easy! “This. Eat.”

(Grins, raises glass) To learning English… and surviving lunch!

(Leaves the stage waving happily)

Loid is a monster, he's the leader of the Ember Clan, a group that wants to liberate monsters from humanity and destroy humans so that they may be on top. Atop the farthest peak, uncovered from a lost civilization is a switch that can activate advanced weaponry, and Loid is about to activate it until the hero of this story steps up to approach him, reasoning that he should give humanity a chance before deciding to light the world on fire, and so, he starts his Monologue.

REN: Why do you want to do all of this.. Have you really never considered giving us a chance of coexistence? Giving us any chance at all before going on to annihilate us!?

Chance.. (pause, slight smirk), You want me (turns to Ren) to give you a chance!? (he laughs) Your humankind never gave me a chance. You speak of peace talks between monsters and your blood, you say? What do you want me to do, (brings his hands up and sways them in opposite directions, walking backwards a bit) sit around in a big room, (mimics pulling on a tie) wearing a suit and tie, (mimics signing documents) signing documents while (points aggressively down, steps forward) my brothers and sisters suffer right outside the window!? (pause, his arms go down and he stands) If you want something, I say do it if you (points aggressively at Ren) have the fire in your spark to (swipes arm to right) get it done no matter the cost. No waiting for some savior, because they won't always come in time.. (pause, stands) When I was fifteen I left my home island, left to see the outside world. It was extraordinary at first, breathtaking. But the sights I saw were eventually relegated to a (starts getting a slightly irritated expression, crumbles his hand into a fist as he looks down on it, then puts hand down) cage (hand goes down). The humans had caught onto my blood, locked me away and shipped me around the country like a circus animal. I was forced to fight in illegal underground rings against others like me, others trapped, waiting. You see (pause), my people believe in the Shining Knight (starts looking around, walking a bit). He's said to save us in our darkest hour. He never did (pause, slightly moody expression as he turns back to Ren), because I got tired of waiting (pause, brings head up and points aggressively to Ren), now.. you, you imitator, you naive child claiming the title of a figure that doesn't exist, you came too late (sways hand, points thumb to self). I freed myself from the colosseum, (points thumb to self) freed my brothers wounded and scarred. Then they freed their brothers. And in one night (pause) the city was lit ablaze, in one night we were free, in one night.. (pause) by seventeen I became a savior of my own (pause), the leader of the Ember Clan. Then, eleven years ago, we discovered remnants of a lost human civilization with advanced weaponry. They had vaults hiding those weapons across the globe, and right here (points to ground) atop this peak was the switch (placed hand above switch) to open most of them, and activate four titans under my command. Now (puts hand down, brings pointer finger up, slightly at Ren), you may be asking, why would it be designed to where all of that would conveniently occur if I place my hand here? (points palm towards switch, pause) Because those people (starts walking forward at Ren a bit) didn't want to hide these weapons because of their threat to the world, they wanted to use them to destroy the world and birth it anew under their rule (pause). While they never did, I believe fate chose that to be so. I believe that it's the monster's turn to rule. (raises palms up proudly) In one night the world will be lit ablaze, and in one night we will all truly be free, from your grasp! (puts hands down, starts having an irritated expression) But, (pause), I can't do that yet, for you (points at Ren) still linger, you imitator of some false god (pause). Boy (pause), if you speak of coexistence, and righteously believe it to be so, (starts walking around a little) then you'll have to live by our rules too. And (starts cracking his knuckles) if you want to live with monsters, then we shall fight, like (pause), we (pause), do!! (stomps ground once).

Have you ever cared about someone so much that you start making excuses for the way they never really look at you? Like maybe they’re just going through something, maybe they’re scared, maybe they’ll come around. Maybe it’s not personal — even when it feels personal every single time. I watch you talk yourself down like it’s a habit. You say, “I’m not good enough,” or “I’m too much,” and all I can think is if you could just see what I see, even for one second, you’d shut that voice up so fast. But you don’t. You don’t see you. And you definitely don’t see me. I’ve been here — right here — not because I don’t have other options, not because I’m bored, not because I don’t know what I want. I do know what I want. I want you. I’ve wanted you, even when you’re distant, even when you pick everyone else first, even when it’s clear you have no idea how much space you take up in my head. I’ve been telling myself that maybe one day you’ll just wake up and realize I’ve been the constant, that I’ve been choosing you this whole time. But I think I’m starting to realize that choosing someone who doesn’t choose you back isn’t romantic — it’s just painful. I don’t need fireworks or some movie moment; I just wanted enough. For once. I wanted you to look at me like I wasn’t just the safe option or the backup plan or the person who “gets it.” I wanted to be the person — the one you actually pick. But maybe the real problem isn’t that you can’t love me. Maybe it’s that you still don’t believe anyone should. And I don’t know if you’ll ever figure out how much you’re worth, but I can’t keep trying to prove it to you if you won’t even try to see it for yourself. I would’ve chosen you. Every time. I just wish you’d done the same.

JENNETTE:

(Whisking brownie batter). Do you guys really think I’m making the right decision? Or am I like, malångu in the head? Am I malångu in the head? Don’t answer that, Mary. It’s just that, I’ve been thinking non-stop about what’s going to happen. (Pause where Jennette looks sad in thought but still tastes some of the brownie batter). I know, logically, that this is ultimately for the better. I guess that it feels like… none of the feelings I’ve felt seem like the right one. The most appropriate reaction. Because there are just way too many different things to think about… its freaking collateral! More than anything, I feel crooked. (Pours brownie batter into pan). We had so, so much fun this summer. I don’t know whether to think: at least I’ll have this summer as my last memories of this place, or like, get really sad that we won’t be able to make memories like this as often anymore. (Puts brownie pan into oven). We won’t spot for a long time. I can’t stop thinking about it. You guys are my pars. I got lucky with you two. What if my luck has ran dry, and I don’t have the opportunity to make any kinds of friends in the Wizarding World? I’ll get so freaking homesick, what if I can’t take it and I have a meltdown in front of everyone, and I’m the freak at my new school? (Cleaning up baking supplies, starts moving frantically). Oh, Merlin, I can’t do it! How am I supposed to pack up my life and go there knowing that I’ll be the freak of the entire World of Wizardry? I’ll just keep couchsurfing, and being an orphan until I turn 18 in a few months. No… no. Okay, that’s just selfish. He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named, why did you have to avada-kedavra my mother? Oba kux, (Contemplating pause). I guess that it couldn’t be too bad over there, and there’ll be so many more opportunities for me. You know, Wizardry-wise. And home-wise. And family-wise. Holy chow, that actually sounds chronic. I guess that it could be a lot better. And I still think it’d be nice to leave with good memories still fresh on the dome. Leche, that’s oba cherry. Shoot, I’m ready for the magical train.

Joel: (gets up from bed, walks to the other side of the room and sits on a chair) It’s almost time– the hospital is only a few miles away. Once I get Ellie there, they can finally work on that vaccine they’ve talked about. Her immunity could be the secret they needed to create a cure for this damn virus, all they need is to perform surgery on her. We’ve travelled so far together and went through so much. I should be glad it’s almost over, (softer, slightly teary) but why do I feel like I want to turn back? That cure they speak of– it could save the entire world, (stands up) but Ellie IS my whole world now; she’s like a daughter to me, and without each other we don’t have anyone. But… but if they do make a cure, if I DO let Ellie die in that operation room, they might bring back Fortnite chapter 5 season 1. I remember coming home from school back when I was a kid and playing with my friends, trolling kids and fighting in desert zone wars. We used to drink each others’ big pots and bandage each other in a bush. I still remember when Gojo Satoru came out in the item shop, I bought it immediately and made him dance to “Popular” by the Weeknd featuring Playboi Carti. Ellie’s like a daughter to me, but Fortnite was there even before she came along. If I have even the slightest chance to play it again, I’d even sacrifice my newborn baby. But who would I even play Fortnite with? With no friends and a brother too busy, I’d be playing all by myself. Even if I don't have a duo, I think it’d be worth it– I LOVE to play with myself anyways. (sits down on chair and thinks for a bit) I think I've finally made my decision. I will let them perform surgery on Ellie to get a cure, even if it kills her. I cannot live without fortnite anymore, I want to do the love scenario emote on Sabrina Carpenter's body while wearing Jordan 1s. Maybe Ellie and I can play Fortnite in heaven one day.

The Doors Open to reveal a broken down room of the castle, tired and exhausted from the horde of zombies they had to face battle just to reach Phaige, just see their once friend sitting upon of the throne made for a conqueror

Phaige: Calm and cheerful tone (Soft chuckle) “Well Well  Well,It seems you’ve all managed to survive,Color me impressed however  I should've expected such trouble from  filth like you trying to stop me! (raised voice)” Gets up from the chair and makes a sinister chuckle (Disgusted voice) “And to think i was one of you, It makes me sick,sick to my stomach….( ShortPause)...... The very idea of me helping you destroy  what i have created,MY PUNISHMENT! (Deep and monsterlike yell) towards your kind as a SPECIES! (Pause)  Everyone…..EVERYONE THATS EVER LIVED! Deserves the punishment that is ME! (Soft tone turning into a angered tone) I will bury my hands into this corruption and rip from the source! Just like how they did to me” (He held his fist in anger) (Long pause) (catching his breath in a calm breathing) “What kind of corruption you may humbly ask? Mankind…. Mankind as a species is the corruption, For all they do is take and take without returning the favor or Without paying the price for it is what they do! They follow prophecies of false gods just for their own benefit even as far as Sacrificing Children of their own to such god. They are MEANINGLESS! (Yelling again i apologize for your throat) For they are the reason why this planet they call home is poisoned and polluted as they  are the ones who pollute and destroy the very ground they walk upon. With wars, Pollution and many many more.(Short Pause) I AM THAT ANSWER (Insane type of voice)...... I AM THE 

PUNISHMENT THEY SO DEEPLY DESERVE! (Anger voice tone) For what i do is punishment, The zombies that i have created purify the very world Mankind Triumphs. These Zombies dont pollute (Pause) They dont start wars, They only purify and protect the very world Your species corrupted. (Long Pause)  (Sad and apologizing tone) “I Apologize but the Phaige you knew, The Phaige you so happily let in your heart is gone. That imposter died, Destroyed by the very atoms called memory. ( Sadistic tone slowly turning into a angered tone) I am not Phaige Spectelm (Short Pause)  I AM PHAIGE BLACKWELT! The Boy Who’s Destined to die….. I am the result of the torture Humanity gave to this hellish rock. I am the punishment given to humanity for all its horrific crimes they so hardly commit…..(Sad tone) For what they did to me…For the actions they have caused, Sacrificing me, THEIR OWN FLESH AND BLOOD to a god that never answered their calls. (Proving a statement kind of tone) I AM THE SOLE HOPE FOR HUMANITY”  I am not the phaige you adopted into your family, I am not the phaige you so desperately cared for. That imposter died when my memories came back” (Warning type of tone) But if you want to stop me, I WILL CUT YOU DOWN, TEAR YOU APART AND DISPLAY YOUR REMAINS  TO FURTHER WARN THOSE WHO DISOBEY ME! SO IF YOU ARE READY? THEN COME FIGHT ME!

Period: 5th

Title of monologue: Is This A Mistake?

(Walks in front of audience and sniffles and wipes face)

Kevin: Why is this happening now! I thought I was finally confident in myself. I thought I was proud to be myself and be true to myself. (Starts rummaging though hair in frustration) But why why, do their words hurt so much when they didn’t before. Why do I always feel the need to apologize to everyone for being gay. I made this choice. I should be proud of it, right? This is who I am but why am I doubting it? Why do I always want to please the people around me? (Start clutching your stomach in disgust) Come on Kevin, pull yourself together! You have to stay strong! (Start “crying”again) But it’s so hard to be something that others might judge me for. I sacrifice so many things out of consideration for others. I literally slept on the couch instead of one of the three beds that were available. I did that to make sure that the others felt comfortable but what about me? I’m not some alien now that I’m gay, I’m still the same person as I was when I was straight.  I’m still human(Pause for a little) I’m still human and I should be treated like one. I shouldn’t be treated like a new species. (Start to calm down) I just wish that they would treat me normally, I wish they would treat me like a guy and not some weird lab experiment that doesn’t know what gender it wants to be. (Take a deep breath) Mom always talked about how cruel the world can be. Maybe that’s why she doesn’t quite accept my sexuality. She’s just trying to protect me and make sure that I don’t get hurt. (Laugh a little) I knew it was dumb for me to think that my mother didn’t love me for being gay, she loves me a lot, so much that she’s scared for me to make this decision, but not because she might not love me but because she doesn’t want me to get hurt. (Take one last deep breath) I need to go tell my friends how I truly feel about their jokes, even though they're funny, if I say it’s enough they should stop if they're really my friends. I shouldn’t be doubting my sexuality because of other people, I made this decision and I should be proud of it. (Walk off stage a little bit then stop and take out your phone and “call”your friends) Hey can you guys meet me in the lobby real quick, I need to tell you guys something and it’s really important, okay I’ll see you guys there in five minutes, bye.

THE END

Tanisha: (angrily storms in her room from stage right, crossing her arms while she is on the phone with her father)  

BUT DADDDDDDDDYYYYYY!!! You’re cutting me OFF?!? What do you mean I’ve “never worked a day in my life”? Excuzah mwa?? I did pi-la-tes. In heels. 

(stretches weirdly to indicate the heels of her feet to the audience) 

That is work! Daddy do you even know how much calories crying burns?! (collapses to the floor) This is cardio. (violently kicking her feet in frustration) This. Is. Cardio. 

(crawls on the floor to center stage left and groans as she opens her skincare fridge and pulls out chilled eye patches, slapping them on with a dramatic relaxed sigh, then gets caught off guard) 

WHAT. You want me to work at DunKAN’? I literally never order there, that’s literally where all the manakos go to hold their chess meetings and act like they own the place. Starbies is way better!!! (looks at her nails unamused and annoyed and immediately hangs up the phone)

Ugh. Can’t believe I have to get a… a… A… j-j-jay-oOo-. (swallows her throat) J-O-B. (quickly turns face away in despair from the audience and rolls to center stage, now her back is on the ground while looking up on phone) I literally don’t have the time. Look at this (shows screen to the audience) Brunch at 11. Sephora run at 1. Mental breakdown at 2:30. Spray tan at 4. I’M BOOKED AND BUSY!

(Pause. stop mid-scroll, and gets up suddenly)

Wait.. is it spelled with an X? EXpresso? Like fast coffee? (whines and paces around the room) I’m gonna walk in there and someone’s gonna say “pull a shot” and I’m gonna be like, “With what? A gun?” I don’t know how to do this! Do you push buttons? The only buttons I can press are ‘purchase’ and ‘add to cart.’ 

(screams in her pillow) Do I even look like someone who works at DunKAN’? I’m a delicate porcelain princess, not meant to wear ugly orange uniforms.. or sweat or…(break out into Sabrina Carpenter’s song, Espresso)working late— cause I’m a singer~ 

UGH BUT I’M NOT A SINGER. I run on oat milk and fear. (hugs pillow childishly and pouts) You know what? I don’t even care! If I’m doing this, I’m doing it my way! (breaks out into Frank Sinatra’s song, My Way, but sings in a deep man-like key) I did it my wayy~ (clears out throat and shakes off on what just happened) Name tag? Bedazzled. Shoes? Heeled, OBVI. Schedule?… optional! Body? TEA-uh. (uses pointer finger to bite with her teeth while smirking) 

Sorry not sorry for wanting to serve looks while serving EXpresso. (breaks out into Sabrina Carpenter’s song Espresso again) Say you can’t sleep, baby I know that’s me EXpresso~ (mumbles the rest of the lyrics as she grabs her handbag, leaving and exiting out stage right)

The Girl: 14-17 years old, not shy about herself

Woah! Hey senpai, looks like we’re partners! Teehee uwu. (smiles wide! bling!). What?

What’s wrong senpai? You don’t look very kawaiihappychan. I’m sumimesorry, I know

I’m a lot for some people.

Oh? Talk normally. Hmph. I guess I could try.

[types on computer for a little bit. Only uses the pointers fingers though. Start humming

the ‘I’m the alpha, I’m the leader song while starting to dance. SENPAI interrupts when

she howls.]

Oh! S-s-sorry. When my inner wolf comes out it’s hard to control it.

What? You don’t have an inner wolf? Let me help you find it!

[tries to encourage SENPAI to awoo, but SENPAI doesn’t. She is left perplexed.]

Maybe you have an inner warrior cat instead.

[gets SENPAI to meow. Is extremely excited.]

Wow! You’re so awesome uwu. Teehee is extremely excited bleh.

[goes back to typing. Talks while typing.]

You know, I’ve been thinking about this for a really long time heh.

Yeah!

I think about you a lot. I dream about it teehee. But uh. Enough about me.

Your part of the project. How’s it going?

You haven’t started? Well that’s ok, I can do it for you!

Don’t worry, I actually get top marks in all of my classes.

Yep! I’m ranked number GO [shows the number 5]. That’s 5 in Nihongonian. That’s the

real name of Japanese, before the non-sugoi Europeans named them Japan!

Look uhm. There’s no easy way to say this but.

[Longing pause, as if you’re going to confess.]

I DON’T KNOW WHAT YOUR GMAIL IS I’M SO SORRY WAAAAHHH.

[starts crying on the floor. Gets up when SENPAI offers a hand.]

Oh? Thank you, sniffle. My emotions just get really big and then they explode!

[jumpscare movement.]

Nya! Uwu.

Wow… your hands.. are so soft! [grabs it and rubs their hand against their face and

purrs.]

Well. While I’m down here. [Kneel and hold the hands of SENPAI]

I haven’t been able to take my eyes off you since the day I saw you for the very first time.

Your eyes glistened in the light in such a captivating way. I fell immediately. All the

journals in class have been about you. All my stories have been for you. Everything.. for

you.

[sing “thinking out loud.” Your eyes widen and you stand extremely quickly.]

What was that senpai? You’ll go out with me?!

David:

( heads to the kitchen after a struggle ) Ah maybe i shouldn't have thought that ( looks at the pot on the stove and stares ). Maybe if he looked at it another way maybe he would've said yes, HE WOULD HAVE but I was too late. I was so lost in my emotions that I couldn't feel his feelings and his touch but I guess some things don't always go how you make them.  My lovely Kiwi with his skin as dark as the brows, and his scent as strong as the fruit

But i didnt think he would have tasted so… 

But what am I to say? That's his answer of his own will, but if only everything went how it should have then it wouldn't have resolved for this choice. It was quiet when I saw him, so quiet, charming, nonchalant, and ethereal from head to toe, me and him talked. Our one and only spot for our twink meetup was the circle concrete pavilion that surrounds Kazaiah's favorite tree. From that day on after he met those hot cheetos girls, he's been busy with her. Ignoring me well then we’ll see who was just a thought. He said yes and we hit it off like a softball game but I knew she would interfere, especially after she saw me drop her sister into the reef at the lookout, but no proof was found. And this is her payback HAH… ( Take a big spoon out of the pot and taste it ) It tastes like how he should've tasted when he was MINE…  But that doesn't matter ( Grabs a chunk of meat out of the soup in the pot ) Life now has been quiet now, lonely but quiet. It's quite peaceful now and I got to g0. I left the pot cover off of my famous kiwi soup. I haven't heard a noise from them or the girl since those days. I made peace with them and invited them over for dinner but they've been pretty loud and must be having fun now. Maybe I should've put the pot cover on sooner. ( using the mixing spoon he pushes her finger back down into the soup ). 

(Sits down reading papers)

He stepped off the ferry from Hagatna, suit too sharp for island heat.

Aaron Wells-city man, smelling of fake coconut and ambition.

Said he’s a “compliance officer.” I call that a fancy word for cutter of lives.

He talked about “efficiency” like it’s a gift, but it’s just a slow, slow poison!

Here in Guam, we respect the land and the people-balance matters.

He treats the island like a ledger to be balanced, no care for what’s lost!

Behind every policy he enforces, someone… someone innocent disappears quietly.

No fists. No blood. Just paperwork and silenced voices. (rubs his forehead)

Monsters like him don’t wear masks-they wear smiles and suits.

How do I Know? Because I AM a monster myself… (points to himself)

He believes he’s cleaning up messes. But some messes are warnings.

Warnings I CAN’T ignore! (Throws paper, and slams the table)

For Aaron Wells, the island’s silence will be the last sound he hears.

And I’m the one who delivers it. (stands up and faces audience)

Tonight’s the night, the night I will make his last!..

YOU KNOW WHAT I'M SICK OF IT( breathes deeply)

I'm sick of it all, hiding my true self, stashing it somewhere cold and empty when I put on the face of someone I'm not truly meant to be, all the pain and suffering I go through just so I can be something rather than someone new and true. Every time I try being myself the nonstop prattle of the masks sends me back cowering in the corner hoping that there would be a light that shines on my true self. I've spent so long losing myself into whatever shape I thought would be fitting(fidgeting with your hair)  the smiling shape, the compliant shape, the one that never upsets the waters, never glances in the room before speaking, but none was never satisfying to you(fist clenches)

Every gaze, every utterance, every pause ( bites her lip for a second)

 I chose them all like armor, camouflage.(voice begins to tremble) I told myself it was survival, that being invisible was the only way of being seen, of being accepted. But I started to get lost about where the performance ended and I began. It's like I turned into a hall of mirrors(arms trembling) every reflection showing someone else's expectation, never my face(pause). And the worst part?(voice cracks a little with a hint of laughter) I thought that was strength(Pause).

I felt like camouflage behind replicas of myself meant I was in charge( clenches chest). But control is not authenticity. It's not freedom. It's an enclosure wrapped in acceptance.

Now I’m standing here, stripped of all the masks, and I fell raw between the cracks that's finally revealing( viewing down at the hands shivering). I feel raw, almost empty, but also(pause)(clears throat) aware. Aware that I’ve never really given myself a chance to breathe,(breathe starts getting more harsh) to take up space without apology. It’s terrifying, learning how to show up as myself(points at myself) because what if I’m not enough without the performance? But I’m beginning to understand that peace doesn’t come from being everything to everyone. It comes from being whole to myself(pause).(both hands covering my face) I don’t want to be liked for the masks I wear anymore. I want to be seen for the person beneath them even if it means fewer eyes(pause) (head lowers), even if it means solitude sometimes. (picks up head)(breathes) Because there’s a quiet kind of power in finally putting on my own face, even if it trembles at first.

I hung the line, red eyes and damp cheeks. My back felt the cold marble wall behind me and slowly the weight of everything brought me down as I slowly fell towards the floor. The decision was made. The wound now fully opened and I am left vulnerable and alone once again but willingly this time. Yet somehow and in some peculiar way I don’t feel any sense of regret. As if I had finally let go of the river I’ve been trying too hard to carry with my hands. I let myself drift away and follow the current. I made you my everything and yet I still wasn’t seen as enough. You make somebody your everything, once you lose them, you are left with nothing. Once upon a time my everything was once you and I wished and prayed so hard that we could make this work but it takes two to make a relationship but three to make it last. I felt as if I was trying to fit you into a mold you couldn’t fill. Maybe if I tried harder, maybe if I waited a bit more but you wouldn’t have changed for me. Change can’t be forced into a man, that is something you have to choose. I don’t miss you, not one bit. Once I had let go, I was carried and drifted into a beautiful land with endless fields and trees that whispered melodies, birds that welcomed me, sun that kissed my face gently. I didn’t force anything. I begged for nothing. I found my place, yet I still hope you find yours. I can’t hold a river in my hands no matter how hard I try. I can only hold a hot coal for so long

(The narrator sits on a park bench, holding a phone and a small folded note. They look around, smiling faintly.)

You know, it’s funny how this place still feels the same… even after everything that happened.

The same bench where we used to sit after class, laughing about the smallest, dumbest things.

The same spot where we’d dream about our futures you wanted to travel, I wanted to stay right here.

It’s weird, right? How things can stay the same, but people… don’t.

I keep asking myself when did it start? That silence between us.

Was it that argument about who forgot whose birthday? Or when I said something stupid and you just stopped replying?

At first, I thought it was just space… a few days, maybe a week, then we’d talk again.

But days turned into weeks, and suddenly, you weren’t beside me anymore.

You found new people to laugh with, and I just

(pauses)

I just stood there, pretending it didn’t hurt.

I used to open our old chat and scroll all the way up

our inside jokes, the late-night talks, the plans we never did.

I almost texted you so many times. “Hey, can we talk?” “I miss you.”

But every time, my pride got louder than my heart.

I’d delete the message before I could send it.

And yet… here I am. Sitting where we used to sit. Talking to the air like you can hear me.

Maybe you can. Maybe not.

I just want to say… I’m sorry.

I’m sorry I let my pride ruin what we had.

You were more than just my best friend you were my person.

The one who made bad days bearable, who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.

(Takes a deep breath, looking up)

I know I can’t force things to go back the way they were.

We both changed. Maybe that’s okay.

But I still want you to know no matter what, I’ll always be grateful.

For the laughter, the memories, the friendship that made me who I am.

(Looks at the phone, then smiles softly)

I think… I’m finally ready to text you.

Not to fix everything, but just to say hi.

Because maybe just maybe that’s how friendships find their way back.

Not through grand apologies, not through perfect timing…

But through small steps, a little courage, and the hope that some bonds never really break.

(Pauses, typing on phone)

“Hey. It’s been a while. Want to meet up?”

(smiles)

Yeah… that’s enough for now.

(Looks around the park one last time before walking away)

The bench will still be here.

Just like me. Waiting.

(Varnessa sits alone in a dim, cluttered room. Rain taps softly against the window. She has a raindrop voice, soft and nostalgic.)

VARNESSA:
I believed… I believed this time would be different. Maybe that he saw me — not the broken girl I’ve been hiding all my life, but the woman beneath the cracks.
(Pauses, swallowing hard)
But love… love is a lie we tell ourselves to feel less alone. A mask hiding power plays and games. And me? I was the fool who thought I could save myself with it.

(Her voice hardens. She straightens slowly.)
He looked at me and saw nothing but weakness. Not love. Not worth. Just a toy to use and toss aside.
(A bitter laugh, dark and hollow.)
Isn’t that what they all want? Power. Control. Love is just the bait. And I—I was the catch no one wanted.

(She stands, voice sharp, pacing.)
No more waiting. No more hoping. No more breaking.
(Her eyes narrow, voice dropping to cold steel.)
From now on, I’ll be the storm they never expect. Ruthless. Calculating. Untouchable.

(She stops, staring out the window at the rain.)
I remember the nights… lying awake, wishing for a love that wouldn’t shatter me. But it never came. Only betrayal. Only silence. Only the cold.

(Turns back, voice soft but deadly serious.)
Being naive is a weakness. And weakness gets you crushed. I learned that the hard way—too many times.
(Her lips curve into a grim smile.)
So now, I shed the skin of that girl. I buried her under something stronger. Something darker. Something… unstoppable.

(She steps forward, voice low and resolute.)
They will all regret ever turning their backs on me. Because I am done begging for scraps of love. Now, I take what I deserve. I own my pain.
(A pause, then with chilling confidence)
And I will make them fear me.

(Varnessa’s eyes flash, voice echoing in the still room as the rain intensifies.)
This isn’t the end… It’s only the beginning.

You think I pay you for fun, Drew!? Just to amuse myself!?

He slams down a portfolio full of pictures, going through it

A Picture of a man walking his dog, a squirrel in a tree? A picture of a man bein-

He stops midway as his eyes widen slightly at the image, he then speaks a bit calmer

This one is usable, 

He immediately transitions back into his louder voice

but other than that these pictures are all crummy!

What are we, National Geographic? Are we going to start watching the damn pigeons?

You’re fired, Mr. Darce, now get lost-

He dismissively waves, before coming to a pause midway

Ah, wait- I already fired Wibel and Marc. Nevermind you’re rehired! We needed someone to take photos of the reopening of the power plant ever since that incident, and everyone else booked so don’t even bother asking, Don’t mess it up, The openings on Saturday. Now let me ask you something..

He thinks idly briefly, leaning back comfortably on his chair

How do you get such fine pictures of that odd-ball they call “Arachna-lad” huh? 

You’ve forked over the most photos in this office's years! 

He takes out another portfolio, containing all the pictures taken of Archna-lad, his finger tapping down on the impatiently almost.

Not to mention, they're taken perfectly! Have you seen the other pictures!? It was either some random schmuck cosplaying, or so blurry that it might as well have been ran through the shredder a dozen times over!

He squints with suspicion, as he then snaps his fingers

But, I think I got it all figured out, I understand how you do it..! 

he nods, as he points at Drew suddenly, the thought fully formed.

Arachna-lad is using you! He’s tryna talk to a 17 year old like you? That’s a grown man! Sure he hasn’t disclosed his age but still!

He nods his head, rubbing his hands together, plotting.

Think of that, Every front page of a newspaper reading, “Arachna-lad caught talking to minors!” 

Now THAT’S an eye catcher, and it’ll ruin his career! Everyone in New Jersey will be talking about it!

He leans in now whispering in a conspiratorial voice

We just need you to admit.. Doesn’t matter that it’s lying, The public can’t tell if half the stuff is real or not! Besides.. 

He rises up, his voice going back to its usual tone as he begins to pace around, ranting.

He’s raising the standards way too high for us! I’ve been sitting here, tossing people out to churn a couple more dimes and he puts his neck on the line outside for others he doesn’t know of!? He’s making us all look bad! Who am I, Raphael the archangel? I can’t go out of my way to help others then myself! That’s too much effort!

He exhales, as he sits back down, speaking much calmer.

Lemme tell you something proper, Drew. You’re a good kid. You have talent, skill, and you’re human! nothing like that, no good Arachna-freak, shooting strings out his wrists. I bet he’s some sorta mutant under that mask, a real eyesore.

There’s a long awkward pause, as he then shoos Drew off. 

What are you still doing here? You want a raise or something? Get outta here!

(The character bursts in, panting. She slams her bag onto the floor. The thud echoes. She stands frozen for a moment, fighting to hold it together, then explodes.)

Her:

(anger, defensive)

Why am I mad? You're asking me that now?

(takes a step closer, voice gaining)

Because it's gone. That's why. Ten years lost. My whole life, all I knew, it's disappeared.

(strikes a pause, voice grows softer)

How did I not realize it before? That placel was my world.

(recalling, voice trembles slightly)

It was where I had my first best friend, got my first award, had my first real crush.

It made me who I am.

Every hallway, every classroom, every memory was mine.

(whispers)

And now it's just. gone.

(beat — looks around, stunned)

And now I'm here, and everything is so different.

There are so many people, so many voices, so much noise.

Nobody told me it would be so strange to start over.

I know that this is part of growing up, but it doesn't make it easier.

(a soft, frustrated laugh)

It's like I woke up in someone else's life and I'm supposed to just act like I fit in.

(takes a step or two back, takes a nervous breath)

I wish somebody had handed me a manual Something that was like, "Here's how you deal with your entire life chnaging overnight."

Everybody else is so confident as if they already have it figured out.

While I'm over here trying to get through breathing without being totally lost.

(voice takes on a slightly harder tone)

And then there are the teachers… they're supposed to be the best.

But half of them don't even care if we learn anything or not.

They are all qualified, but somehow they don't care quite as much as my past teachers have.

(shakes head)

It doesn't make sense.

(pause — deep breath, is calmer now)

Okay. I need to relax. I need to process this.

Life goes on, and I guess I must go on too.

(looks down, voice gentle, reflective)

It still feels weird though, like a whole chapter of me just closed .

(small, hopeful smile)

But maybe it's time to start on a new one.

(She breathes in, shoulders relax. After a moment, she picks up her bag slowly and leaves the stage, quieter and more solid than at the start.)

You know, it’s funny how this place still feels the same… even after everything that happened.

The same bench where we used to sit after class, laughing about the smallest, dumbest things.

The same spot where we’d dream about our futures you wanted to travel, I wanted to stay right here.

It’s weird, right? How things can stay the same, but people… don’t.

I keep asking myself when did it start? That silence between us.

Was it that argument about who forgot whose birthday? Or when I said something stupid and you just stopped replying?

At first, I thought it was just space… a few days, maybe a week, then we’d talk again.

But days turned into weeks, and suddenly, you weren’t beside me anymore.

You found new people to laugh with, and I just

(pauses)

I just stood there, pretending it didn’t hurt.

I used to open our old chat and scroll all the way up

our inside jokes, the late-night talks, the plans we never did.

I almost texted you so many times. “Hey, can we talk?” “I miss you.”

But every time, my pride got louder than my heart.

I’d delete the message before I could send it.

And yet… here I am. Sitting where we used to sit. Talking to the air like you can hear me.

Maybe you can. Maybe not.

I just want to say… I’m sorry.

I’m sorry I let my pride ruin what we had.

You were more than just my best friend you were my person.

The one who made bad days bearable, who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.

(Takes a deep breath, looking up)

I know I can’t force things to go back the way they were.

We both changed. Maybe that’s okay.

But I still want you to know no matter what, I’ll always be grateful.

For the laughter, the memories, the friendship that made me who I am.

(Looks at the phone, then smiles softly)

I think… I’m finally ready to text you.

Not to fix everything, but just to say hi.

Because maybe just maybe that’s how friendships find their way back.

Not through grand apologies, not through perfect timing…

But through small steps, a little courage, and the hope that some bonds never really break.

(Pauses, typing on phone)

“Hey. It’s been a while. Want to meet up?”

(smiles)

Yeah… that’s enough for now.

(Looks around the park one last time before walking away)

The bench will still be here.

Just like me. Waiting.