part 1
Ralph and Maisie* lie in a room lit by “Galaxy Projector.” Maisie is on a lower-bunk mattress; Ralph lies on a folded, mold-stained camping foam (his preference). The top bunk remains empty. Between Ralph and Maisie lies a large, bruised banana**, who is hoping they will go to sleep.
*Names changed to protect identities
**Identity changed to change identity
RALPH: Africa will bring me new starlight.
BANANA: You mean Ithaca?
RALPH: Yeah, Africa.
MAISIE: One day, I will wear a white coat, and hold your heart and lungs.
RALPH: Do you hear the thumping? Through the stethoscope, that is your heart.
MAISIE: Does this hurt? (Grabs the banana around the neck)