· · ·
turning to page one
turning to page one
All the residents are dressed up - black tie and gowns. This is obviously a special occasion. The Hotel Manager is presenting the new couple: Limping Man and Nosebleed Woman. They are now formally together, a confirmed couple.
Their life together will begin with everyone’s blessing. It’s like an instant wedding, a non-ritual ceremony.
HOTEL MANAGER
I’m very happy because we have a
new couple. They met just two days
ago but they are very much in love
and perfectly suited. They both
have the same problem with their
noses. They bleed quite suddenly.
The rest of the hotel guests clap. Nosebleed Woman’s Best Friend cries. She realises she is losing her best friend forever and feels abandoned. David hesitates at first, but after a while he claps too. But he doesn’t smile, and seems worried. A WAITER holds a velvet cushion with tassels, with a room key on it. The Hotel Manager hands the couple the room key.
HOTEL MANAGER (CONT’D)
Tomorrow they will be transferred
to a double room with a larger
wardrobe and a larger bathroom.
They will be allowed to use the
group sports facilities and to eat
together in the restaurant. They
will stay in a double room for two
weeks and then their final test
awaits. The pier.
The rest of the guests clap once more. Limping Man takes the microphone. He speaks loudly, with excitement and joy.
LIMPING MAN
I’m very happy.
NOSEBLEED WOMAN
Me too.
HOTEL MANAGER
What are your thoughts on
paedophilia?
LIMPING MAN
I’m against it.
NOSEBLEED WOMAN
I’m against it.
HOTEL MANAGER
Good. Do either of you have a
serious illness that could prove
fatal within the next five years?
LIMPING MAN
No.
NOSEBLEED WOMAN
No.
HOTEL MANAGER
Very good. The course of your
relationship will be monitored
closely by our staff and by me
personally. If we notice any
problems, any fighting or tension
between you which you cannot
resolve yourselves for whatever
reason, you will be assigned
children. That usually helps. A
lot.
The couple leaves the room, waving the audience goodbye.