Flight of the Maybug (Script)

ACT 2

Wilhelm folds away the scrap of paper as he idly sits, his restlessness preventing him from being able to concentrate on anything for more than a few moments. As the seconds pass, and the beer dwindles, Wilhelm stands up and begins aimlessly exploring. The chairs, the tables, the candles, all become subjects of the teenager's yearning for distraction. Then, as he approaches the bar, inspecting it with an indifferent finger, the door creaks open.

Wilhelm turns to greet the noise, his body rigid and motionless. For a few moments, nothing happens; the world is caught in limbo. Then, dishevelled and pallid, Fritz enters.

The two men stare at each other, neither making a sound.

FRITZ: Hello.

WILHELM: Hello.

Pause.

FRITZ: (Eyeing the beer) Is that for me?

Wilhelm nods, much to the delight of Fritz, who proceeds to rush over and guzzle the drink down. All the while the young man remains stood, his eyes locked on to Fritz in a cold, steely stare.

FRITZ: (Having satisfied his thirst) Thank you. Will you join me?

Silently, Wilhelm does so.

FRITZ: Limp, how'd you do that?

WILHELM: Stubbed my toe.

FRITZ: Oh, is it bad?

WILHELM: Very.

FRITZ: I see, apart from that you look well.

WILHELM: Do I?

FRITZ: You do, well at least better than me.

WILHELM: You look fine.

FRITZ: That's very kind.

Fritz raises his glass in toast.

FRITZ: Cheers.

Wilhelm doesn't reciprocate the gesture, leaving Fritz to drink alone.

FRITZ: Life treating you well?

WILHELM: Nope. You?

FRITZ: Ate a cat the other day.

WILHELM: What?

FRITZ: A cat, I ate a cat.

WILHELM: Why?

FRITZ: I was hungry.

WILHELM: Oh.

Pause.

FRITZ: It was my cat.

WILHELM: I suppose that's better.

FRITZ: Yeah, at least no-one goes missing a cat. I don't even like cats.

WILHELM: I can tell.

FRITZ: Tasted better than that badger we caught though.

WILHELM: Badger?

FRITZ: Remember, outside Kassel?

Wilhelm takes a moment to recollect the memory.

WILHELM: We did, didn't we?

FRITZ: Badger, squirrel, fox, we ate all sorts. What was it we'd say, "if there isn't pus, scratches or foam,-

WILHELM & FRITZ: -it gets us one step closer home".