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Description
Monday

Characters:

Jackson Miles: 15 years old. Sophomore.
Kyla Thomas: 15 years old. Sophomore.
Kyle Moor: 14 years old. Freshman. New student. First day.
Natasha Wheaton: 13 years old. 8th grader. Very shy. Shadowing Kyla.
Ethan Black: 16 years old. Junior. Presence is unnoticed.
Mr. Williams: 47 years old. Teaches Biology. Wife and two kids.
Younger Lucas Brown: 17 years old. Junior. Black student. Very bright.
Older Lucas Brown: 47 years old. Wheelchair-bound and mentally deficient.

[The stage is dark. The sound of wind can be heard coming in through a window to stage right. In the distance the quiet wail of a siren can be heard. Eight human forms stand on stage, their heads bowed and backs facing audience. Light shines upon first figure as he turns to speak.]

JACKSON: It's funny how a single action can alter a person's life forever. In the blink of an eye, all that you had planned in your life can be destroyed. Changed in ways you never expected, and can never fix no matter how hard you try.

[Light shines on second figure. JACKSON is still illuminated by first light]

KYLE: It was my first day at my new school. My father had been transferred to San Francisco after a successful business trip. Mom saw me off but I'd have to walk back home afterwards. I was supposed to pick up my 5-year-old sister from the elementary school just down the street.

JACKSON: I had a biology test. A big one that could change my grade from a C to an A if I did well. I had stayed up late all night studying the bones of the human body.

[Another spotlight shines upon third figure.]

NATASHA: If only I had stayed home that day. If only I had taken Mom's advice and taken the day off. But it was my day to shadow a student at my dream high school, and I didn't want to give up that opportunity even if I was sick. Maybe that cold could have saved my life.

[Two more spotlights shines on fourth, fifth, and sixth figures. Fifth figure is in wheelchair, the sixth standing behind him.]

KYLA: I was just another Monday at school. I was just hanging out in the hall talking to some friends. I barely remember that day myself.

OLDER LUCAS: [Groans. His eyes look unfocused. Is sitting in an odd position in his wheelchair. He is barley functioning. YOUNGER LUCAS doesn't look down at him as he speaks. OLDER LUCAS continues to groan.]

YOUNGER LUCAS: My older brother was coming home later that day. He had been in the Middle East for two years and this was his first leave. My parent's were so excited. I wanted to show him the new robot I had finished building that weekend. It took me two months to complete and the coding was really difficult.

[Another light shines on seventh figure. A dim light shines on eighth figure in the back, but he is not acknowledged.]

MR. WILLIAMS: Earlier that morning my wife told me she was with child again. My little girl would be having a baby brother or sister in a few months. She was so excited to be a big sister. We were all going to go out for dinner to celebrate the good news. I wish I had made it there.

EVERYONE: Images flood our minds, unbroken, unwavering. But we cannot change them. We cannot go back. All we can do is remember the day our lives were changed forever.

[Lights out. Scene change]

[A school bell rings. A high school hallway. Students pass down a long hall. KYLA and NATASHA are at a locker talking. KYLE walks up and down hallway, paper in hand and looking confused. ETHAN stands along at the end of the hallway. He is very quiet, walking down the hallway with no one noticing him. Enter JACKSON. Is walking down the hallway taking to friends not looking where he is going. Almost collides with ETHAN at locker. He dodges ETHAN easily without saying anything to him. ETHAN stays frozen at his locker, his head turned down at being ignored. He turns to look at his locker.]

JACKSON: [Approaches KYLA, NATASHA hiding behind her. Yawns] Hey Kyla can I borrow your biology textbook? I want to get in a quick cram session before class starts.

KYLA: Cram session?

JACKSON: Kyla don't you remember? We have a biology test today! I had to skip basketball practice over the weekend just to finish the review sheet! I was up all night reviewing the difference between bacteria and viruses!

KYLA: Oh shit don't tell me it's today! Crap I was so busy at the shelter I completely forgot!

JACKSON: Think you'll be ok?

KYLA: [sighs] Yeah I should be fine, but I don't think I'll get a great score. Can I look over your review sheet real fast then?

JACKSON: Sure if you let me use the textbook.

KYLA: [takes backpack from back and begins to shuffle through it.] Ok just hold on one…hang on…where is it? I could have sworn I had- [Stops, closes eyes and groans.]

JACKSON: [leans down to KYLA'S height] Hey Kyla you ok? [Looks concerned]

[In the background ETHAN is still staring at his locker.]

NATASHA: K-kyla are you ok?

KYLA: [lets out frustrated sigh] Yeah I'm alright guys I just remembered I left my Bio book at home on my dresser. [Looks defeated] Sorry Jackson I don't have my book today.

JACKSON: Hey it's ok I can always just ask Lucas. Where is that guy by the way? Class is going to start any-

[Enter YOUNGER LUCAS. Backpack slung over shoulder. Walks down hallway and spots JACKSON.]

YOUNGER LUCAS: Yo Jackson what's happenin my man? [Leans on JACKSON'S shoulder. In his arms he holds a Biology textbook.]

JACKSON: Hey man you were just the guy I was looking for! [Gives several fist bumps to YOUNGER LUCAS before yawning again] Listen man do you happen to have your Biology book on you? I want to see if I can-

YOUNGER LUCAS [interrupting] –if you can borrow it for a quick cram session before class? Man you really need to start paying attention in class. I know you love basketball but a man's gotta make time for his education you know what I'm sayin?

JACKSON: Hey I missed out on a very important basketball practice yesterday so I could get ahead for this test. AND, I stayed up 'till four am today reviewing stiff, so give me some credit.

YOUNGER LUCAS: All right man but this is the last time ok? [Hands book] But man you need to start studying before the night of the test. Staying up that late isn't going to do you much help. In fact you might do worse because you-re so tired you won't remember any of the material.

JACKSON: I know I know.

YOUNGER LUCAS: That's what you said last time, and now look at you. You'd better pray that MR. WILLIAMS curves the test. [Entwines fingers into a prayer form but stops when he notices NATASHA] Who's the kid hiding behind you?

KYLA: Oh I'm sorry Lucas this is Natasha. She's an 8th grader who wants to come to school here next year. She's going to be shadowing me all day today.

NATASHA: H-hi! Nice to meet you uh…

YOUNGER LUCAS: Lucas. And this here is Jackson if you didn't know.

JACKSON: What's up?

NATASHA: [looks up at Jackson with almost fear in her eyes] H-hello.

YOUNGER LUCAS: [laughing] Oh don't be afraid of Jackson. As tall as he is he wouldn't hurt a fly right? A gentle giant as I say.

JACKSON: [nods in agreement, before yawning. Begins to walk down hallway with LUCAS'S textbook in hand.] Yeah no need to be afraid. Now if you'll excuse me I have a test to-

[KYLE collides with JACKSON, both falling to the ground.]

KYLE: [getting up] Oh I'm so sorry I didn't see you there!

JACKSON: That's ok man I didn't see you either.

YOUNGER LUCAS: [Looks teen up and down and frowns] Hey I've never seen you here before. Are you another perspective student?

KYLE: Me? Oh no I'm a new student here. My name's Kyle and today's my first day. [Frowns and squints eyes.] Hey, you guys wouldn't happen to know where room 206 is by any chance would you?

JACKSON: Yeah I know where that is. I'm going there right now for Biology.

KYLE: Biology? With MR. WILLIAMS?

JACKSON: Yeah!

KYLE: Oh well then it looks like we're going to be in the same class then.

[ETHAN is still lingering in front of his locker. Other kids pass him by without acknowledging his presence.]

JACKSON: Sweet man. I always look forward to meeting new people [Fist bumps KYLE. KYLE fist bumps YOUNGER LUCAS while JACKSON calls to KYLA] Hey Kyla! Looks we've got a new person to sit with at lunch!

KYLA: [walks over with NATASHA.] Oh that's cool what's your name?

KYLE: Kyle. Kyle Moor.

KYLA: I'm Kyla Thomas and this girl next to me is Natasha. She's following me around today as a perspective student.

KYLE: Awesome I did that for my old high school back in Portland. School's a lot nicer here than it was back home.

JACKSON: [yawns] Yeah well don't let appearances deceive you. Sophomore biology is a tough class. But overall this is a nice school.

KYLE: Good to hear. I'm looking forward to being in your class…? I'm sorry I don't think I caught your name.

JACKSON: Oh yeah sorry man I'm Jackson and this here is Lucas.

KYLE: Well it's nice to meet both of you and I-

[Enter MR. WILLIAMS]

MR. WILLIAMS: Mr. Miles aren't you supposed to be in my class. [JACKSON, KYLA, and YOUNGER LUCAS seem to shy away, scampering away from the teacher. NATASHA follows KYLA back to her locker. YOUNGER LUCAS pretends to suddenly become interested in something on the wall and walks over to it. JACKSON AND KYLE are left in middle of hallway. KYLE looks bewildered. JACKSON smiles nervously.]

JACKSON: Hehe, yeah uh Mr. Williams, I was just on my way to your class.

MR. WILLIAMS: I hope you studied for today's test?

JACKSON: Y-yeah, I uh, studied all last night.

MR. WILLIAMS: I should hope not. You young people need to get a good nights sleep in order to do well in my class. A small cram session isn't going to help you if you can't remember the material due to drowsiness. [YOUNGER LUCAS snickers.] And Mr. Brown I can assume you are prepared for this test as well?

[Slowly ETHAN seems to make up his mind about something and begins to open his locker.]

YOUNGER LUCAS: I'm ready as I can be Mr. Williams. The only thing I can do now is pray that luck is on my side. [MR. WILLIAMS and YOUNGER LUCAS continue talking. ETHAN slowly begins to pull something from his locker.]

KYLE: [to JACKSON] Is that Mr. Williams?

JACKSON: [to KYLE] Yep.

KYLE: [to JACKSON] He seems kind of…

JACKSON: [to KYLE] Strict? [KYLE nods] Don't worry he isn't all that bad. He actually cares about his students and wants us to do well. He just demands respect is all.

MR. WILLIAMS: Alright then. [Turns and notices KYLE] I've never seen you here before. Are you a new student?

KYLE: Yes, I'm going to be in your class. My name is Kyle Brown.

MR. WILLIAMS: Ah yes the new freshman. I hope you are up for sophomore level biology. [Turns to leave.] Now if you'll excuse me, boys, class is going to start any moment and I-

[Suddenly lights flicker. Sound of a gunshot rings through the hallway. MR. LIVERSWOTH collapses, falling on top of JACKSON and KYLE. Several more shots go off.]

JACKSON: What the hell Mr.-? Oh shit Mr. Williams are you ok? [A small bullet hole is visible in MR. WILLIAMS's back.] Oh shit Kyle we gotta get Mr. M out of here he's- [notices Kyle laying motionless underneath MR. WILLIAMS's body. A small hole leaking blood onto the floor from the side of his head.]

JACKSON: oh no oh no no no no no no no no. Dude Kyle you gotta wake up man ok? Kyle can you-

KYLA: Jackson Jackson help me!

[Jackson turns to see Kyla on the floor, leaning over Natasha's body. Several small holes are visible on her back.]

JACKSON: Someone call the police! Several people are dead! Somebody-

[Another loud. Jackson falls to the ground clutching his arm.]

KYLA: Ahhhhhhhhh!

[Jackson turns to see ETHAN lying on the ground. A hole is on the side of his head as well, a metal gun gleaming in his hand. He falls into unconsciousness.]

[Sound of sirens in the distance. They grow quiet as if driving away. Scene Change.

Stage is dark. Seven characters are lined up across the stage in same position as beginning scene. Spotlight shines on JACKSON.]

JACKSON: It's funny how a single action can alter a person's life forever. In the blink of an eye, all that you had planned in your life can be destroyed. Changed in ways you never expected, and can never fix no matter how hard you try.

[Second spotlight shines on figure at the end of the line, the one not shined on at beginning. All heads turn to look at ETHAN, a metal gun held tightly in his hand.]

ETHAN: My mother left home when I was two. She didn't take me with her. My dad didn't give a flying fuck about me. To him I was a constant reminder of the wife that left him. Mom never called. I went unnoticed for fifteen years. I had no friends. The teachers didn't even know my name. I just wanted to get away. I wanted to leave and never come back because then maybe someone would notice I was gone. But I didn't want to go alone. I didn't want to leave and be all alone again. So I decided to take some people with me. Maybe then they could keep me company. I've never seen them since that day.

[All heads turn to face forward again, the light on ETHAN going out.]

JACKSON: The police said Ethan had become suicidal but was afraid to leave the world alone.

KYLA: The bullets really damaged my midsection. After two weeks in the hospital my family wheeled me to the car and drove me home. I was later told I would never be able to have children,

NATASHA: A sermon was held for all those who had died. In total 10 students and 2 teachers were killed.

KYLE: My sister waited 4 hours in front of her school. She had no way of knowing her brother was never going to come.

MR. WILLIAMS: My wife remarried after ten years of morning. Her husband was my old best friend in college. They have had three children since then.

NATASHA: My mother wept when she heard the news. She blamed herself for not keeping me home that day. She took her own life a month later.

KYLE: I still haunt my old house every once in a while. Try to check up on my little sister who isn't so little anymore. She's going to college next year; she's going to be a lawyer. She keeps a picture of our family before the divorce in the breast pocket of her favorite jacket.

[OLDER LUCAS moans from his wheelchair.]

YOUNGER LUCAS: I was put on life support for two weeks. My brother sat at the foot of my bed everyday until he had to go back. After a month I finally came back to consciousness, but I wasn't the same. I can't think straight anymore. I can't eat or drink or even go to the bathroom without my mom's help. She's almost seventy now, but there's no hope of me every moving out of the house and living on my own.

JACKSON: The bullet that went through Lucas's head did more damage than the doctors could fix. His mother has been taking care of him for the last 30 years. She won't let anyone near her son anymore, unless it's one of his old friends. Lucas' brother died in a car accident later that year, and now Lucas is all she has.

[Light shines on all figures except ETHAN, who is standing to the side watching the seven silently.]

EVERYONE: It's funny how a single action can alter a person's life forever. In the blink of an eye, all that you had planned in your life can be destroyed. Changed in ways you never expected, and can never fix no matter how hard you try.

KYLE, NATASHA, MR. WILLLIAMS, and YOUNGER LUCAS: [to JACKSON, KYLA, OLDER LUCAS, and audience] You cannot live in the past. You must get past your grief, your pains and sorrows, and strive for the future we were all deprived of.

JACKSON, KYLA, and OLDER LUCAS: [to KYLE, NATASHA, MR. WILLIAMS, YOUNGER LUCAS, and audience] No matter what happens to us we will keep moving forward. For our friends, our families, our teachers and classmates.

EVERYONE: Our existence is finite. We must live each day to the fullest, because we won't know when that day might be our last.

Description
Monday

Characters:

Jackson Miles: 15 years old. Sophomore.
Kyla Thomas: 15 years old. Sophomore.
Kyle Moor: 14 years old. Freshman. New student. First day.
Natasha Wheaton: 13 years old. 8th grader. Very shy. Shadowing Kyla.
Ethan Black: 16 years old. Junior. Presence is unnoticed.
Mr. Williams: 47 years old. Teaches Biology. Wife and two kids.
Younger Lucas Brown: 17 years old. Junior. Black student. Very bright.
Older Lucas Brown: 47 years old. Wheelchair-bound and mentally deficient.

[The stage is dark. The sound of wind can be heard coming in through a window to stage right. In the distance the quiet wail of a siren can be heard. Eight human forms stand on stage, their heads bowed and backs facing audience. Light shines upon first figure as he turns to speak.]

JACKSON: It's funny how a single action can alter a person's life forever. In the blink of an eye, all that you had planned in your life can be destroyed. Changed in ways you never expected, and can never fix no matter how hard you try.

[Light shines on second figure. JACKSON is still illuminated by first light]

KYLE: It was my first day at my new school. My father had been transferred to San Francisco after a successful business trip. Mom saw me off but I'd have to walk back home afterwards. I was supposed to pick up my 5-year-old sister from the elementary school just down the street.

JACKSON: I had a biology test. A big one that could change my grade from a C to an A if I did well. I had stayed up late all night studying the bones of the human body.

[Another spotlight shines upon third figure.]

NATASHA: If only I had stayed home that day. If only I had taken Mom's advice and taken the day off. But it was my day to shadow a student at my dream high school, and I didn't want to give up that opportunity even if I was sick. Maybe that cold could have saved my life.

[Two more spotlights shines on fourth, fifth, and sixth figures. Fifth figure is in wheelchair, the sixth standing behind him.]

KYLA: I was just another Monday at school. I was just hanging out in the hall talking to some friends. I barely remember that day myself.

OLDER LUCAS: [Groans. His eyes look unfocused. Is sitting in an odd position in his wheelchair. He is barley functioning. YOUNGER LUCAS doesn't look down at him as he speaks. OLDER LUCAS continues to groan.]

YOUNGER LUCAS: My older brother was coming home later that day. He had been in the Middle East for two years and this was his first leave. My parent's were so excited. I wanted to show him the new robot I had finished building that weekend. It took me two months to complete and the coding was really difficult.

[Another light shines on seventh figure. A dim light shines on eighth figure in the back, but he is not acknowledged.]

MR. WILLIAMS: Earlier that morning my wife told me she was with child again. My little girl would be having a baby brother or sister in a few months. She was so excited to be a big sister. We were all going to go out for dinner to celebrate the good news. I wish I had made it there.

EVERYONE: Images flood our minds, unbroken, unwavering. But we cannot change them. We cannot go back. All we can do is remember the day our lives were changed forever.

[Lights out. Scene change]

[A school bell rings. A high school hallway. Students pass down a long hall. KYLA and NATASHA are at a locker talking. KYLE walks up and down hallway, paper in hand and looking confused. ETHAN stands along at the end of the hallway. He is very quiet, walking down the hallway with no one noticing him. Enter JACKSON. Is walking down the hallway taking to friends not looking where he is going. Almost collides with ETHAN at locker. He dodges ETHAN easily without saying anything to him. ETHAN stays frozen at his locker, his head turned down at being ignored. He turns to look at his locker.]

JACKSON: [Approaches KYLA, NATASHA hiding behind her. Yawns] Hey Kyla can I borrow your biology textbook? I want to get in a quick cram session before class starts.

KYLA: Cram session?

JACKSON: Kyla don't you remember? We have a biology test today! I had to skip basketball practice over the weekend just to finish the review sheet! I was up all night reviewing the difference between bacteria and viruses!

KYLA: Oh shit don't tell me it's today! Crap I was so busy at the shelter I completely forgot!

JACKSON: Think you'll be ok?

KYLA: [sighs] Yeah I should be fine, but I don't think I'll get a great score. Can I look over your review sheet real fast then?

JACKSON: Sure if you let me use the textbook.

KYLA: [takes backpack from back and begins to shuffle through it.] Ok just hold on one…hang on…where is it? I could have sworn I had- [Stops, closes eyes and groans.]

JACKSON: [leans down to KYLA'S height] Hey Kyla you ok? [Looks concerned]

[In the background ETHAN is still staring at his locker.]

NATASHA: K-kyla are you ok?

KYLA: [lets out frustrated sigh] Yeah I'm alright guys I just remembered I left my Bio book at home on my dresser. [Looks defeated] Sorry Jackson I don't have my book today.

JACKSON: Hey it's ok I can always just ask Lucas. Where is that guy by the way? Class is going to start any-

[Enter YOUNGER LUCAS. Backpack slung over shoulder. Walks down hallway and spots JACKSON.]

YOUNGER LUCAS: Yo Jackson what's happenin my man? [Leans on JACKSON'S shoulder. In his arms he holds a Biology textbook.]

JACKSON: Hey man you were just the guy I was looking for! [Gives several fist bumps to YOUNGER LUCAS before yawning again] Listen man do you happen to have your Biology book on you? I want to see if I can-

YOUNGER LUCAS [interrupting] –if you can borrow it for a quick cram session before class? Man you really need to start paying attention in class. I know you love basketball but a man's gotta make time for his education you know what I'm sayin?

JACKSON: Hey I missed out on a very important basketball practice yesterday so I could get ahead for this test. AND, I stayed up 'till four am today reviewing stiff, so give me some credit.

YOUNGER LUCAS: All right man but this is the last time ok? [Hands book] But man you need to start studying before the night of the test. Staying up that late isn't going to do you much help. In fact you might do worse because you-re so tired you won't remember any of the material.

JACKSON: I know I know.

YOUNGER LUCAS: That's what you said last time, and now look at you. You'd better pray that MR. WILLIAMS curves the test. [Entwines fingers into a prayer form but stops when he notices NATASHA] Who's the kid hiding behind you?

KYLA: Oh I'm sorry Lucas this is Natasha. She's an 8th grader who wants to come to school here next year. She's going to be shadowing me all day today.

NATASHA: H-hi! Nice to meet you uh…

YOUNGER LUCAS: Lucas. And this here is Jackson if you didn't know.

JACKSON: What's up?

NATASHA: [looks up at Jackson with almost fear in her eyes] H-hello.

YOUNGER LUCAS: [laughing] Oh don't be afraid of Jackson. As tall as he is he wouldn't hurt a fly right? A gentle giant as I say.

JACKSON: [nods in agreement, before yawning. Begins to walk down hallway with LUCAS'S textbook in hand.] Yeah no need to be afraid. Now if you'll excuse me I have a test to-

[KYLE collides with JACKSON, both falling to the ground.]

KYLE: [getting up] Oh I'm so sorry I didn't see you there!

JACKSON: That's ok man I didn't see you either.

YOUNGER LUCAS: [Looks teen up and down and frowns] Hey I've never seen you here before. Are you another perspective student?

KYLE: Me? Oh no I'm a new student here. My name's Kyle and today's my first day. [Frowns and squints eyes.] Hey, you guys wouldn't happen to know where room 206 is by any chance would you?

JACKSON: Yeah I know where that is. I'm going there right now for Biology.

KYLE: Biology? With MR. WILLIAMS?

JACKSON: Yeah!

KYLE: Oh well then it looks like we're going to be in the same class then.

[ETHAN is still lingering in front of his locker. Other kids pass him by without acknowledging his presence.]

JACKSON: Sweet man. I always look forward to meeting new people [Fist bumps KYLE. KYLE fist bumps YOUNGER LUCAS while JACKSON calls to KYLA] Hey Kyla! Looks we've got a new person to sit with at lunch!

KYLA: [walks over with NATASHA.] Oh that's cool what's your name?

KYLE: Kyle. Kyle Moor.

KYLA: I'm Kyla Thomas and this girl next to me is Natasha. She's following me around today as a perspective student.

KYLE: Awesome I did that for my old high school back in Portland. School's a lot nicer here than it was back home.

JACKSON: [yawns] Yeah well don't let appearances deceive you. Sophomore biology is a tough class. But overall this is a nice school.

KYLE: Good to hear. I'm looking forward to being in your class…? I'm sorry I don't think I caught your name.

JACKSON: Oh yeah sorry man I'm Jackson and this here is Lucas.

KYLE: Well it's nice to meet both of you and I-

[Enter MR. WILLIAMS]

MR. WILLIAMS: Mr. Miles aren't you supposed to be in my class. [JACKSON, KYLA, and YOUNGER LUCAS seem to shy away, scampering away from the teacher. NATASHA follows KYLA back to her locker. YOUNGER LUCAS pretends to suddenly become interested in something on the wall and walks over to it. JACKSON AND KYLE are left in middle of hallway. KYLE looks bewildered. JACKSON smiles nervously.]

JACKSON: Hehe, yeah uh Mr. Williams, I was just on my way to your class.

MR. WILLIAMS: I hope you studied for today's test?

JACKSON: Y-yeah, I uh, studied all last night.

MR. WILLIAMS: I should hope not. You young people need to get a good nights sleep in order to do well in my class. A small cram session isn't going to help you if you can't remember the material due to drowsiness. [YOUNGER LUCAS snickers.] And Mr. Brown I can assume you are prepared for this test as well?

[Slowly ETHAN seems to make up his mind about something and begins to open his locker.]

YOUNGER LUCAS: I'm ready as I can be Mr. Williams. The only thing I can do now is pray that luck is on my side. [MR. WILLIAMS and YOUNGER LUCAS continue talking. ETHAN slowly begins to pull something from his locker.]

KYLE: [to JACKSON] Is that Mr. Williams?

JACKSON: [to KYLE] Yep.

KYLE: [to JACKSON] He seems kind of…

JACKSON: [to KYLE] Strict? [KYLE nods] Don't worry he isn't all that bad. He actually cares about his students and wants us to do well. He just demands respect is all.

MR. WILLIAMS: Alright then. [Turns and notices KYLE] I've never seen you here before. Are you a new student?

KYLE: Yes, I'm going to be in your class. My name is Kyle Brown.

MR. WILLIAMS: Ah yes the new freshman. I hope you are up for sophomore level biology. [Turns to leave.] Now if you'll excuse me, boys, class is going to start any moment and I-

[Suddenly lights flicker. Sound of a gunshot rings through the hallway. MR. LIVERSWOTH collapses, falling on top of JACKSON and KYLE. Several more shots go off.]

JACKSON: What the hell Mr.-? Oh shit Mr. Williams are you ok? [A small bullet hole is visible in MR. WILLIAMS's back.] Oh shit Kyle we gotta get Mr. M out of here he's- [notices Kyle laying motionless underneath MR. WILLIAMS's body. A small hole leaking blood onto the floor from the side of his head.]

JACKSON: oh no oh no no no no no no no no. Dude Kyle you gotta wake up man ok? Kyle can you-

KYLA: Jackson Jackson help me!

[Jackson turns to see Kyla on the floor, leaning over Natasha's body. Several small holes are visible on her back.]

JACKSON: Someone call the police! Several people are dead! Somebody-

[Another loud. Jackson falls to the ground clutching his arm.]

KYLA: Ahhhhhhhhh!

[Jackson turns to see ETHAN lying on the ground. A hole is on the side of his head as well, a metal gun gleaming in his hand. He falls into unconsciousness.]

[Sound of sirens in the distance. They grow quiet as if driving away. Scene Change.

Stage is dark. Seven characters are lined up across the stage in same position as beginning scene. Spotlight shines on JACKSON.]

JACKSON: It's funny how a single action can alter a person's life forever. In the blink of an eye, all that you had planned in your life can be destroyed. Changed in ways you never expected, and can never fix no matter how hard you try.

[Second spotlight shines on figure at the end of the line, the one not shined on at beginning. All heads turn to look at ETHAN, a metal gun held tightly in his hand.]

ETHAN: My mother left home when I was two. She didn't take me with her. My dad didn't give a flying fuck about me. To him I was a constant reminder of the wife that left him. Mom never called. I went unnoticed for fifteen years. I had no friends. The teachers didn't even know my name. I just wanted to get away. I wanted to leave and never come back because then maybe someone would notice I was gone. But I didn't want to go alone. I didn't want to leave and be all alone again. So I decided to take some people with me. Maybe then they could keep me company. I've never seen them since that day.

[All heads turn to face forward again, the light on ETHAN going out.]

JACKSON: The police said Ethan had become suicidal but was afraid to leave the world alone.

KYLA: The bullets really damaged my midsection. After two weeks in the hospital my family wheeled me to the car and drove me home. I was later told I would never be able to have children,

NATASHA: A sermon was held for all those who had died. In total 10 students and 2 teachers were killed.

KYLE: My sister waited 4 hours in front of her school. She had no way of knowing her brother was never going to come.

MR. WILLIAMS: My wife remarried after ten years of morning. Her husband was my old best friend in college. They have had three children since then.

NATASHA: My mother wept when she heard the news. She blamed herself for not keeping me home that day. She took her own life a month later.

KYLE: I still haunt my old house every once in a while. Try to check up on my little sister who isn't so little anymore. She's going to college next year; she's going to be a lawyer. She keeps a picture of our family before the divorce in the breast pocket of her favorite jacket.

[OLDER LUCAS moans from his wheelchair.]

YOUNGER LUCAS: I was put on life support for two weeks. My brother sat at the foot of my bed everyday until he had to go back. After a month I finally came back to consciousness, but I wasn't the same. I can't think straight anymore. I can't eat or drink or even go to the bathroom without my mom's help. She's almost seventy now, but there's no hope of me every moving out of the house and living on my own.

JACKSON: The bullet that went through Lucas's head did more damage than the doctors could fix. His mother has been taking care of him for the last 30 years. She won't let anyone near her son anymore, unless it's one of his old friends. Lucas' brother died in a car accident later that year, and now Lucas is all she has.

[Light shines on all figures except ETHAN, who is standing to the side watching the seven silently.]

EVERYONE: It's funny how a single action can alter a person's life forever. In the blink of an eye, all that you had planned in your life can be destroyed. Changed in ways you never expected, and can never fix no matter how hard you try.

KYLE, NATASHA, MR. WILLLIAMS, and YOUNGER LUCAS: [to JACKSON, KYLA, OLDER LUCAS, and audience] You cannot live in the past. You must get past your grief, your pains and sorrows, and strive for the future we were all deprived of.

JACKSON, KYLA, and OLDER LUCAS: [to KYLE, NATASHA, MR. WILLIAMS, YOUNGER LUCAS, and audience] No matter what happens to us we will keep moving forward. For our friends, our families, our teachers and classmates.

EVERYONE: Our existence is finite. We must live each day to the fullest, because we won't know when that day might be our last.