· · ·
turning to page one
turning to page one
Obsession · written by Curry Barker · 2026
Scene 25 of 61 · ≈ 3 min on screen · Act two
Bear wishes the woman he loves would love him back. The wish comes true — and her devotion becomes a violence neither of them can stop.
Bear in his comfort zone of quiet, unspoken longing for Nicky, grieving his cat and coached by Ian to stay silent rather than confess.
Bear needs Nicky to love him back, sharpened by trivia night's proximity to her and Ian, and the purchase of the willow as an almost-joke wish object.
Bear breaks the willow and makes the wish, crossing from wanting to actively, magically pursuing Nicky's love.
Ian grills Bear about what happened with Nicky overnight; Bear downplays it as her having a breakdown, then discovers his broken One Wish Willow and begins connecting it to her sudden obsession.
Bear begs off driving Nicky home, claiming errands, and lets Ian take her instead, leaving her visibly hurt.
Alone at home, Bear tries calling Nicky when a knock interrupts him.
This scene
Nicky stands at the door, wearing a lovely dress and full makeup. She is stunning.
NICKY
Hey, Bear.
BEAR
Nicky? What's up?
NICKY
I had to shower and I didn't know
what to wear.
BEAR
What do you mean?
NICKY
Listen, I'm really sorry about last
night. Ian told me you were freaked
out-
BEAR
Oh, no Nicky, it's fine!
NICKY
I probably shouldn't have taken
anything.
A beat.
BEAR
Oh?
NICKY
Yeah... So I was on MDMA.
Bear leans into the door frame. He's relieved to know the truth, though it does sting.
BEAR
Right.
NICKY
And wasted.
BEAR
Right... So, do you remember?
Nicky waits.
BEAR (CONT'D)
Stuff.
NICKY
I mean some of it. If I was weird,
that's why. And I probably made
choices I wouldn't have made
otherwise.
Bear's eyes narrow with disappointment. Nicky's gaze shifts, a growing concern in her eyes.
BEAR
And what about this morning?-
NICKY
(stern)
I just... I want to be transparent
with you about some things.
BEAR
You don't have to explain.
NICKY
Actually, I feel like...
Nicky abruptly turns, now facing away. We see the back of her head, her shoulders shaking as she bursts into laughter — an extremely BIZARRE moment.
BEAR
Nicky, what the fuck?
NICKY
(taunting)
I know you like me, Bear.
Bear is thrown off.
BEAR
Well...no, I...why?
Nicky's face shifts slowly into a big smile.
BEAR (CONT'D)
Do you like me?
NICKY
Would it freak you out if I said
yes?
A long beat. It's an oddly romantic moment. Bear stares at her. His smile becomes a laugh, somewhat shy and defensive.
BEAR
How long would you say you've felt
this way?
NICKY
I mean, it just sort of... happened
over time. Last Christmas it
started, I don't know.
Bear is in shock, suddenly hyperaware of his face, posture, and clothing. He even concentrates to breathe. This is real.
NICKY (CONT'D)
The more we've hung out... I
just...I- Don't you have feelings
for me?
Bear glances at the ground, then back up at her. He's dreamed of this moment his entire adult life.
BEAR
Yeah, I do.
Nicky walks over, gently tugs his shirt, and wraps her arms tightly around him in a silent embrace, leaning her forehead into his shoulder. Bear's gaze stays up, lost in deep thought.