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Scene 1: At Home
Roy.
I’m hungry, when’s dad and mum coming back with dinner?
Justin.
Like I said a million times, in thirty minutes.
Roy.
But you said that thirty minutes ago!
Amanda.
Maybe if you stopped asking he’d give you the real answer.
Roy.
No one was asking you Amanda.
Amanda.
So-
(Amanda gets cut off by a knock on the door. The three look over at it, Roy smiling as he scrambles to get off the couch.)
Roy.
Food time!
Justin.
Roy don’t open the door without checking who it is!
Roy.
Fine… It’s Dusty!
Amanda.
Wait, why is Dusty here?
Justin.
Mum and dad must have invited him. Roy, open the door.
(Roy nodded as he unlocked and opened the door, a middle aged man standing in the doorway. The three siblings wave him inside. Roy closes the door behind him.)
Dusty.
Hello kids, are your parents home by any chance?
Justin.
Nope.
Amanda.
Probably abandoned us because of Roy.
Roy.
Hey!
Dusty.
Oh, I was hoping to catch them.
Amanda.
I’m sure they’ll be here soon, they just went out to get dinner. You can stay and wait for them if you want.
Dusty.
Thank you Amanda.
Roy.
Wait, if you're staying then you have to tell us one of your story’s!
Justin.
Ya, give us a story Dusty!
Dusty.
Well I guess I can. Ever heard of the monkey's paw?
Amanda.
Not once in my whole life.
Dusty.
I guess that’s the story I’m going to tell then. Everyone to the couch, this is a scary one.
(The three siblings all rush over to sit on the couch, all looking up at Dusty expectantly.)
Dusty.
Where should I start-
Roy.
At the start!
Dusty.
Okay okay, calm down Roy, I’ll start and the start. The monkey's paw was found in a tomb deep in the desert. No one knows who made it, or how it ended up there. But it’s said to have magical abilities, allowing one of its three holders to cast any three wishes.
Amanda.
Like a genie lamp?
Dusty.
Exactly like a genie lamp. But instead of getting exactly what you want the paw twists the wish, makes it its own. With every wish comes a consequence, it’s dangerous.
Justin.
That’s ominous.
Amanda.
How does the monkey's paw work? How do you wish on it?
Dusty.
Well you have to have it first of all, then hold it up and say your wish aloud.
Roy.
That’s it? That’s not very scary.
(Dusty hums, then reaches into his pocket and takes out the monkey’s paw. Holding it in front of himself.)
Dusty.
Well I think it’s pretty scary.
Amanda.
Eww! Keep that weird thing away from me.
Justin.
Is that… The paw?
Roy.
If it is, that's one nasty looking paw.
Dusty.
It is, I was actually the second person to wish on it.
Justin.
You're telling me that thing can make wishes? I’m doubting you Dusty.
Amanda.
You said you were the second person to wish on it, does that mean someone else can still wish on it?
Dusty.
Yes but-
Roy.
Can we have it!?
Dusty.
Did none of you hear me say that it’s dangerous?
Amanda.
We heard you say it can grant you wishes.
Roy.
Can we have it?
Dusty.
No, I was actually going to bury it somewhere. It’s not something to play with.
Justin.
Okay, if I were to believe this thing is magical then who cares about consequences? Come on Dusty, let the twins have it. What harm can it really do?
Amanda.
Ya let us have it! We’ll be careful with our wishes.
Dusty.
Fine, but remember I warned you.
Roy.
Of course, now hand it over!
(Dusty sighs, handing over the monkey's paw. Both twins go to take it but Amanda is faster, grabbing it before Roy does.)
Roy.
Hey!
Amanda
It feels crusty, gross.
(The sound of knocking brings the four’s attention over to the front.)
Justin.
Mom and dad must be home.
Scene 2: School Hallway
(Amanda and Roy are walking down the school hallway.)
Amanda.
What do you have next class?
Roy.
Art, what about you?
Amanda.
History, uhg, I hate that class. It’s so boring-
Bully.
I don’t believe that’s everything you have! Come on, I know you have more money than a five dollar bill!
Justin.
Really that’s all I have! I brought my own lunch today!
(The two siblings look at each other for a second before fastening their pace down the hall.)
Roy.
That sounds like Justin.
Amanda.
No duh! It’s probably that kid that’s been bullying him, come on we have to help.
Roy.
How are we supposed to help him? We’re just going to become targets ourselves.
(Amanda and Roy slow down to a stop at the corner, Justin and his bullies voices just on the other side. She goes into her pocket and takes out the monkey's paw, holding it up for her brother to see.)
Amanda.
We have this.
Roy.
Eww, you kept it in your pocket?
Amanda.
Of course! Now what did Dusty say to do again…
Roy.
It’s not that hard to remember.
Amanda.
Oh shush! Just tell me so we can help Justin.
Roy.
Hold it up and say your wish out loud.
Amanda.
Okay so, I wish that Justin is no longer being bullied anymore!
Bully.
I’ll give you five seconds until things get drastic!
Justin.
Five seconds for what!? I don’t have any more lunch money!
Roy.
The wish didn’t work.
Amanda.
You think I can’t hear that?
Roy.
Well I’m going to see if Justin is done being bullied so I can take him to the nurses office, you want to come along?
Amanda.
No I’m good, go on ahead.
(Roy nods, walking around the corner. Amanda stuffs the monkey's paw into her pocket, walking into a different direction to get to class.)
Scene 3: Outside Of School
(The school bell rings and the three siblings walk out of the school next to each other.)
Amanda.
They really roughed you up Justin.
Justin.
Don’t remind me. I think they broke my nose…
Roy.
The nurse said it’s only bruised, calm down. We’ll put some ice on it when we get home.
Bully.
Justin!
Roy.
If we get home, I mean.
Justin.
Amanda hide me!
Amanda.
They literally already saw you, let’s just run. It’s crowded. They can’t chase us in a crowd.
Roy.
Guys, they're getting closer!
Bully.
I had to escape detention to get out here! Do you know why? Because you told on me!
Justin.
I’m dead, tell dad I love him and mom I’ve always hated her casserole.
(The sound of a bus horn blares out as the bully crosses the street. The bully doesn’t stop, ignoring the warning. The bus comes barreling towards them and they get hit.)
Roy.
Oh sh-
Justin.
Oh my god.
Amanda.
Did, did they just get hit by the school bus…
(People crowded around the bully, the siblings staying back in shock. Amanda while looking at the comotion sees something in the corner of her eyes. She turns her head, spotting a dark figure across the parking lot. Before she could really look at it, it's gone. She thinks her eyes are playing tricks on her.)
Amanda.
We should go home.
Justin.
Ya, come on. Roy, we're going home now.
Scene 4: Roy’s Room
(The three siblings are sitting on Roy’s bed)
Justin.
Why didn’t they hear the bus horn?
Roy.
Huh?
Justin.
The bully, they should have heard it. It was blaring , so why did they keep walking?
Amanda.
Maybe they were too focused on us?
Justin.
But that doesn’t make sense! It was so loud, I even flinched when the driver tried to warn them. It seemed like they didn’t even hear anything.
(Roy perks up in thought, turning his head to face Amanda.)
Roy.
Do you think…
Amanda.
What?
Roy.
Do you think it was the monkey's paw?
Justin.
What are you guys talking about?
Roy.
Amanda wished on the paw that you wouldn’t be bullied anymore. What if it worked, but like, badly .
Amanda.
I thought it didn’t work though?
Justin.
This isn’t the time to make stuff up guys.
Roy.
But we really did use it! What if… what if the paw makes your wish come true but does it in a way to make you think it was all codincadin.
Amanda.
Dusty did say there would be consequences.
(Justin gets up from the bed, walking in front of his two siblings with a scowl on his face.)
Justin.
Stop the playing you two, someone is hurt and you're thinking about magic . The paw’s not real, it’s just a gag Dusty thought up for a good story.
Amanda.
So you wouldn’t care if I made another wish then?
Justin.
That’s not what I-
Roy.
She’s right, you shouldn’t care because you don’t believe us. Amanda, wish for something. Something that can’t be explained with a cquadincadinc.
(Amanda takes the monkey's paw out of her pocket, ready to make a wish. Before she could speak Justin snatches the paw and backs up.)
Justin.
Okay stop!
Amanda.
Hey!
Roy.
I thought you didn’t believe us.
Justin.
I-I don’t, okay!? Because magic isn’t real and this thing is some fake novelty. But someone went to the hospital today, if… if there’s a chance this thing is real we shouldn’t be shouting out wishes that could get someone hurt.
Roy.
So what are you suggesting, oh none believer?
Justin.
Wish for something that doesn’t require another person. No wishing for love, death, revenge or anything having to do with another person.
Amanda.
And here I thought I was going to find true love.
Roy.
Don’t tell me you were actually going to wish for love.
Amanda.
Of course not, love is overrated. I was going to wish for money.
Roy.
Gold digger.
Amanda.
Emo boy wannabe.
Justin.
Stop that, I don’t want to hear your bickering right now. Amanda actually had a point anyway.
Amanda.
I did?
Justin.
Ya, if we wish to win the lottery or for like a thousand dollars then no one has to get involved.
Roy.
That’s… actually very smart.
Amanda.
See I’m always right, now pass the paw. I’m gonna make the wish.
(Justin rolls his eyes, passing over the monkey's paw.)
Justin.
Be careful with your wording.
Amanda.
I’m always careful.
Roy.
No you're not.
Amanda.
Excuse me-
Justin.
Just make the wish.
Amanda.
Alright alright. I wish to have ten thousand dollars.
Justin.
Is that it?
Roy.
I guess so.
Amanda.
Do we just wait now?
Roy.
Wanna go play video games?
Justin.
Sure.
Amanda.
I’m down.
Scene 5: Living Room
(The three siblings are sitting on the living room couch, controller’s in their hands.)
Roy.
If you shoot me one more time I’m going to lose it!
Amanda.
We’re literally playing Call Of Duty, shooting is the whole game!
Roy.
I’m your partner!
Justin.
I have the flag! I need back up, where are you two!?
(A hard knock on the door made them pause the game.)
Amanda.
Who the heck knocks at the door this late at night?
Roy.
Criminals.
(Justin gets off the couch and heads over to the door. The twins follow right behind him. He opens the door to a woman on the other side.)
Justin.
Uh, hello?
???
Hello, is this the Jones residence?
Justin.
Yea it is. My parents aren’t home though, you're going to have to wait to talk to them.
???
That’s actually why I've come. There was an accident at the bar they worked at-
Amanda.
Are they alright!?
???
I’m sorry, they aren’t. Your parents have been killed during the accident.
Roy.
Y-your lying, our parents don’t get into accidents. There’re like the embodiment of careful.
Amanda.
Oh my god.
???
Since Justin is eighteen years old he’ll watch you two for tonight, but tomorrow a social worker will come to pick you guys up.
Roy.
This can’t be h-happening.
???
Again, I’m sorry for your losses. The bar left this for you three.
(The person takes out a small envelope and hands it over to Justin before turning and walking away. Amanda looks on, eyes widening when she sees a shadowy figure across the street. She blinks and then suddenly it’s gone. She quickly closes the door.)
Amanda.
…What’s in the envelope Justin?
Justin.
What?
Roy.
Amanda, our parents just died and you're thinking about the envelope!?
Amanda.
Just- how much money is in the envelope?
Justin.
The person didn’t say it was money. Amanda what are you getting at?
Amanda.
W-we wished for money, remember? A literal hour ago!
Roy.
Oh no…
(Understanding crosses the boys faces as Justin rips open the envelope, mouth opening in shoke. It takes a minute but after he’s done he drops the envelope onto the floor, a check spilling out of it.)
Justin.
T-ten thousand dollars.
Scene 6: Living room
(The three siblings were sitting around the living room table, the check in the middle. Dry tear tracks were on their cheeks as they sat in silence.)
Amanda.
We did this… Didn’t we?
Roy.
Maybe-
Justin.
No, we didn’t.
Roy.
But-
Justin.
I said no! Just, just leave it. It was an accident, that’s… It.
Amanda.
But we- I made the wish. And just like last time it backfired!
Justin.
Magic isn’t real Amanda-
Amanda.
Then how do you explain two accidents in the same day! Hours after I made a wish on this stupid paw!
(Amanda stands up and throws the paw, it hitting the wall. A few seconds go by in silence until there's a knock on the door. The three freeze in their spots, looking at the door.)
Roy.
I’ll… Get the door.
(Roy gets up and goes over towards the door. Amanda catches something in the corner of her eye and turns her head to look out the window. She sees the same shadowy figure but this time it has red eyes, long limbs and a huge set of teeth.)
Amanda.
Don’t open the door!
Roy.
Wa-why?
Amanda.
Somethings out there.
Justin.
Yea, someone’s knocking on the door.
Amanda.
No! It’s a monster thing, just don’t open the door. Roy come back over here.
Roy.
Okay.
Justin.
Amanda there’s no such things as-
(Rapid and loud banging starts up in the door.)
Roy.
What the hell was that!?
Amanda.
I told you two already! I’ve been seeing that thing every time I made a wish!
Roy.
And you're telling us this now !?
Justin.
Get to my room, now!
(The twins run up the stairs. As the three made it up stares there was another loud bang as the door burst open.)
Justin.
Hurry up!
Amanda.
I’m not the one in track!
Roy.
Me neither!
Justin.
Well you better join or else you're going to meet whatever is climbing the god damn stairs!
(The teens run into Justin’s room, banging and loud crackling noises coming fast down the hall. * Justin closes his door, looking around the room quickly)
Justin.
Help me block the door!
Roy.
Okay!
(The three siblings rushed around the room to get whatever could block the door. They then pushed everything up against it. Then after a second of calm banging started up on the door, shaking everything against it.)
Amanda.
It’s trying to get in!
Justin.
Roy, help me keep the door closed!
(Roy and Justin push against the things in front of the door, feet skidding against the floor as the creature tries to get in. There’s a huge crack sound, Amanda looking up at the door. Through the crack she could see the creature, red eyes staring back at her. She screams, stepping back in fear. She reaches for her pocket, but just as she remembers that she threw the monkey's paw she feels something. She grabs onto whatever it was, holding it up in front of her. She stares at the monkey's paw.)
Roy.
It’s breaking down the door! J-Justin what do we do!?
Justin.
I-I don’t know, just try and keep it closed!
Amanda.
I…
Roy.
I’m slipping!
Amanda.
I-I-
Justin.
I don’t think I can keep the door closed anymore!
Amanda.
I wish that I never wished on this stupid paw to begin with! I want everything to be back to normal!
(An inhuman screech rings out across the hall, the sounds of bone cracking and claws against wood. Then suddenly the noise stops, leaving the three in utter silence. No more banging, no more noise. Amanda looks at her hand, the paw not being there anymore.)
Justin.
I think it’s… gone.
Roy.
Good, cuz I didn’t want to die at sixteen, not for me.
Amanda.
Should we… go check it out?
Justin.
Yea, uh, you two help me with the door. And stay behind me.
(The twins nod as they help with moving the stuff away from the door. Justin checks out the hall, then signals for them to follow him. They make their way to the living room. The front door is in pieces, inky black footprints leaving the house. They sits down on the couch, looking between each other.)
Amanda.
What do we do now?
Justin.
I… I don’t know.
(The three wait in silence for a bit, all looking a bit dazed. After a few hours they're all laughing and smiling again, chatting with each other.)
Roy.
I’m hungry, when’s dad and mum coming back with dinner?
Justin.
Like I said a million and one times, in thirty minutes.
Roy.
But you said that thirty minutes ago!
Amanda.
Maybe if you stopped asking he’d give you the real answer.
Roy.
No one was asking you Amanda.
Amanda.
So-
(Amanda gets cut off by a knock on the door. The three look over at it, Roy smiling as he scrambles to get off the couch.)
Roy.
Food time!
Justin.
Roy don’t open the door without checking who it is!
Roy.
Fine… It’s Dusty!
Amanda.
Wait, why is Dusty here?
Justin.
Mum and dad must have invited him. Roy, open the door.
The End