Ruby and the Monster
Excerpt of a one act play. Staged reading in Redlands, CA in May 2019.
***
RUBY wanders the forest with the bucket in her arms. Despite knowing where the river is, she seems to be taking the scenic route, not paying attention to her surroundings. Something catches her eye and she follows it to the opening of a small cavern. She puts the bucket down and nears the entrance of the cavern.
RUBY
Hello?
The only response is her own voice, echoed back to her.
RUBY
Hellooooooo?
Again, no response but her own echo. She stands in the entrance for a moment, studying the walls. She considers entering. Unbeknownst to her, MONSTER has approached the scene from behind, and is eyeing her curiously.
MONSTER
What are you doing here?
RUBY startles.
RUBY
Nothing. What are you doing here?
MONSTER is taken aback--he has never before encountered a human who didn’t run from him.
MONSTER
This is where I live.
RUBY
What, all by yourself?
MONSTER
Yes. Why are you talking to me?
RUBY
Why wouldn’t I?
MONSTER
Why aren’t you afraid of me?
RUBY
Why would I be afraid of you? You’re just a boy.
MONSTER
Why on earth would you think that I am a boy?!
RUBY
Um, you look like a boy. You sound like a boy.
She sticks her hand out and smashes it onto his face.
RUBY
You feel like a boy.
MONSTER
No, I don’t! I’m large and hairy, and I’ve got three sets of eyes! I have razor-sharp fangs and a big, long tail!
RUBY
You’re the Monster!
MONSTER
Yes, I’m the Monster, and I could eat you up right now if I wanted.
RUBY
You don’t look like the Monster to me.
MONSTER
Then there’s something wrong with your eyes. Or your head.
RUBY
Do you have a name?
MONSTER
Of course not. Names are for humans.
RUBY
Oh. Well I have a name. It’s Ruby.
MONSTER
Hm.
RUBY
My Mama says that you’re supposed to say “nice to meet you” when someone tells you their name, but I guess that’s for humans too.
MONSTER
It is.
RUBY
Well. It is getting late, and I was supposed to be fetching something for my Mama, but I forgot what it was, so I ought to get home. Goodbye!
RUBY turns around abruptly and exits, leaving her bucket on the ground. MONSTER picks it up and sniffs it.
