Touched
 

Characters:

Francisca, "Frannie" :   (and later.... Willow):   Our unlikely but strangely likable heroine.
She wears black clothes and prefers leather undergarments. Likes "Indian" (PC== Native American) things around her, and some on her- moccasin-like shoes (black) maybe jewelry- director/tech interpret
 

Frannie's friends:  (a.k.a. "loading dock crew")
 

Bob:

     --------------obvious couple, sit next to eachother, cuddle, hold hands, share food, etc.

Sheila:

Tommy-boy:   A little overweight- funny

Joel:   One of Francisca's  lovers

Marrisa:   Poor student, good dancer, great friend
 

Hospital room crew:

"Old man" Craig    (Boris J.T. Craig, that is), handsome older man, early 50's maybe

Penny, short for "Pennyroyal", his sister, 13-14 years younger than him, but looks 20-25 years younger. Vibrant in heath yet sad in demeanor and dress.

Joey    A Grandson of "ol man Craig" Brooklyn/South sideuh Chicago accent

Geoffrey    Another Grandson, well- spoken

Ernie A private investigator, short, squat, weasely in a bad suit
 

Additional:

Various reporters, one sleazy, one flaming Christian

Various nurses

Saffire:   A hippie-down- to- back- to- the- earth- "child", 30's male
 
 
 

ACT ONE:

The stage is sectioned off into four parts, each individually lit from top, rest of stage black to imply space in-between "mini-sets". Left half of stage is a hospital room. An old man is lying in the bed, covers up to his neck and neatly folded, hospital-style. In fact, whole bed looks freshly- made in that hospital-way, and tightly stretched - it makes him look like a sarcophagus exhibit item. His 3 relatives are mostly sitting in the uncomfortable "hospital chairs".

Stage right is for the "loading dock" and the "parking lot" , where Frannie's home (van) is parked (or gone, lights off, ey?)

Centerupstage is ACT THREE scene, blackened till then
 

Angelic music is playing from beginning of audience seating- perhaps Enya, or Handle. fade it down as act one begins. Sound of heart monitor in hospital room. Red light on "machine" blinking at the same rate as the beeping. Three characters are sitting, low light-yet enough to see clearly that Penny's slumped over in her seat, sleeping. Joey's skimming through magazines he takes off old man's nightstand (his chair is closest) and then putting back, disinterested (or too interested? Attention deficit disorder? Auwe!). Geoffrey is slumped partly over, head in hands, fingers tightly shoved into his hair and holding it tensely back.
 

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Loading dock:

 Lighting:2-3 crossing spots, med-high amperage, or dome spot diffused., from above. Sittin around are Bob, Joel, Tommy-boy and Sheila. They all have ("candystriped") hospital uniforms on. Some are smokin cigarettes, some eating lunch, drinking coffee from a thermos, whatever- they're obviously "on break” Sheila and Bob sitting "picnic style" on a blanket with picniky props on- include one large bag of chips.

Sound of car pulling up from off-stage right,( behind "van”, still darkened) sound of heavy car door slamming (with little creak) Light, (top small side tilted) turns on to back of 'van'. Francisca bounces onto loading dock, squats down, pulls a pack of American Spirit cigarettes out of her pocket, taps one out in a "tough" almost masculine way. Pulls an old bent pack of matches out of the pocket of her big drapey black jacket

Tommyboy:
Hey, darlin'. Glad you decided to GRACE us with your PRESENCE

Francisca:
Hey- I'm here! Anyway- (gestures towards "hospital") they don't care when I get here- I work way too much overtime anyway if anyone found out-------

Bob:
Yep- you almost live here! Wooppss... you do!

Sheila:
Oh-leave her alone! It's a miracle she even made it here at all at the speed she drives!

Francisca:
 (She's trying to light the matches, to no avail. Frustration rising on her face)

YOU try driving with wet oil paintings in an old step-van with worn out shocks for awhile and then we'll talk about it. Drive a mile in my moccasins or somethin, huh? Anyway- at least I don't get any SPEEDING tickets, huh? (One or more look guilty) (beat) Hey, Joel, I'll trade you this pack of matches for a swig or two of that gourmet coffee you have there in that thermos. Cold instant around a once-upon-a-campfire (in faraway voice: "not even one Rainbow person- not EVEN one- can stay up and watch with me?")  DOES NOT entice me either to wakefulness or happy camperness. Why you ever sent me to that "all-night" drum circle with that bunch of hippie-wannabees I don't get.

Joel:
You sold some product though, huh?

Francisca: I gave some pregnant girl a bunch of Aloe pills. She couldn't afford them, and she really needed them..............and look! (sarcastic voice) She gave me this neat peace pendant as a trade!

Joel:
And a "hug" I bet, too. You reek of Patchouli, dearest. You're so self-sacrificing! SO GOOD! So kind!(cockney accent) A regula saint cha are, mi lady!(slightly seductive definitely familiar voice)  Here, I'll take care of you baybee---here, hot mocha hazelnut AND a lighter. (fake formal/chivalrous voice) Keep it, darling, it is yours. Perhaps my lady can grace me with the bestowing of a gift upon her humble serf. Would she, could she- bestoweth one of her strange organic politically correct tobacco sticks, perchance?

Francisca makes a scrunched up, laughing face- hits one out of pack in her masculine way, tosses it to him. Lights  hers .

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In hospital scene,

Penny starts awake, goes immediately up to old man and checks his pulses and such, ear to heart, hand in front of mouth to feel breath, in almost a comical way- her body movements, expressions, almost puppetlike really. Walks around bed and cocks her head, looking at "heart monitor" and then her first line comes
 

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 back at the loading dock -

Francisca:
What are you gifting me with sir? Perchance, this sacred coffee thermos?

Joel:
(looks fake- hurt, puppy-dog eyes, imitates Steve Martin's voice from the movie "the jerk" as he says his line from same movie)
 "All I need is my thermos........

Sheila:
(doing her best Steve Martin)
 And this bag of chips...........

Bob:
(trying to get in the spirit of things but sounding nothing at all like Steve Martin) And this blanket.............
 (sniggers. it catches like a yawn, even Frannie spits out some coffee from laughing)

Tommyboy:
You guys are too much! You're gonna be yuppies someday, in your little perfect whitewashable house
 

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Hospital room:

Penny:
Oh, dear. He's still alive
 

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Loading dock:

Bob & Sheila, in sync:
No we're not!

Bob: (dreamy tone) Well, at least, not if we don't want to be..................

While hospital room talking happens:
Tommyboy Motions to Frannie to toss him the lighter when she's done. She tosses it to him kinda over- the shoulder with attitude. She's then alternately gulping coffee and puffing on cigarettes. Sheila whips out bag of chips, opens them carefully at the top seam, carefully folds over plastic as if she was making cuffs on pants, almost a "hospital corners" tightness and straightness to each fold, then, she finally puts the bag down in kinda the center of the group, breathes a heavy sigh, takes a chip and crunches on it. The sound is very loud. Cue to restart Loading dock conversation.
 

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Hospital room:

Joey:
Way harsh, Penny! We want him to wake up! He hasn't even SEEN his darling little gran'sons! (fake Philanthropic voice) You wouldn't deprive him of that chance- even if for- well- the briefest of moments.

Geoffrey:
(lifting his head up from his hands)
 You guys suck. You are C--R--U--E--L!

While Loading Dock scene going:
(They turn away from eachother. Joey goes back to "reading" magazines, Geoffrey puts his head back in his hands, this time accompanied by light sobbing, Penny goes back to chair, takes a book out of her purse, this takes awhile since there are many clasps and/or layers to get through till the book emerges. Takes a bookmark out of the book, sticks her finger in to mark her place, with other hand-goes back into pocketbook for another considerable time, then gets an ah-hah smile on her face, shoves bookmark in some pocket or chamber, and starts reading)

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Loading dock:

Bob:
What's wrong with wanting a house and dog and covered place to keep your car, anyway? It's not much to ask for in a world of suffering.

Tommyboy:
Hey- ain't doom and gloom FRANNIES department?

Francisca:
(Swallowing gulp of coffee, loud sound effect)
It's NOT doom and gloom- it's just- well, you know, the Hopi prophesies and all that stuff they talk about at those RAVES.  All that stuff- well- it just- well, it makes me think, okay? I just want to be prepared for life on a decimated planet, in case I survive. Healthy body. Travel light. Live away from big cities. You know the spiel.

Sheila:
Yeah, well we're livin in a small city- or maybe I should say a big hick town, and workin' at a run-down "hospital" where the bulk of our shifts are spent waiting to see if anything is scraped off the eighty- mile stretch of interstate we cover.(pause, then, whiny voice)  The big hospital gets all the fun stuff- births, biopsies, we get trauma and if we're REALLY lucky, the occasional new mom bringing her baby in every other day for a long while- ( back to normal voice) who is it currently? Sally?

Tommyboy:
Sweet little Sally Dumont. Guess she gave more than fair prices at that antique store of hers
(general laughter, more cigarette smoking, sandwich eating. F about to take another swig of coffee, looks inside, shakes her head, puts cap carefully on, hands it to Joel in a sheepish manner)

But seriously, Frannie, what way is that to live? Why even get up in the morning? Why plan a home or plant a garden or.....

Bob:
Have children?

Joel:
Yeah, well.......end of the world a comin' or not- One thing I DO know for SURE is that we definitely wouldn't get away with someuh the shit we get away with here at that fancy place

Francisca:
(fake innocent voice)
Oh yeah? and what might you be talking about?

Joel:
Well, let's see. The smoking and bullshitting back here? You live in your van in the parking lot? The food we "help ourselves" to through the minimally secured side door of the cafeteria when it's closed?

Sheila:
Ummmmm........forbidden melon balls!

Tommyboy:
Stolen day-old macaroni salad- sweeter with the guilt shook ever so lightly       upon it

(general laughter)

Sheila:
Sex in the empty rooms!

While hospital talk going on:
(they all quietly, slowly, turn their heads towards her, serious , believable look of shock, yet slightly empty-eyed children of the corn feel) (Sheila lets out a little nervous laugh, there's a slight pause, then they all burst out laughing, elbowing, nodding heads in agreement , passing cigarettes, drinks, eating chips, whatevers)
 

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Hospital. Room.

Penny:
(Looks up from her book, addresses Geoffrey) Is it cruel to want his suffering over? (bitter, depressed voice) Why do you care?

Geoffrey:
I care a lot! The man's my grandfather! Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! Don't play God! He might still have something to do!

Joey:
Yeah, like "get to know you" I know your scam. I see you INside and OUT.

mutual dirty looks- then they all go back to their "activities"
 

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Loading dock:

Marrisa enters from stageright center "entrance", in an obvious hurry, slightly flustered

Marrisa:
(Stops, starts pulling off dress, dancing clothes under neath- her line partly muffled by her dress somewhere mid-sentence when she pulls the dress over her head)

Sorry guys- I can't even have a SMOKE with you- if we're even ONE minute late- I mean, if we're not ON THE FLOOR in our full dance outfits ready for class when class begins, we're marked absent. My GPA's already in trouble- it can't survive any more hits to it's number.

Joel:
Undressing on hospital grounds........

Marrisa:
What?

Bob:
Oh, these bozos have been passing the time listing the many perks of working in the turd hospital

Tommyboy:
What?

Bob:
Number 2

Tommyboy:
Hey- that's funny! I don't think I've ever heard you be funny! Have you guys ever heard Bobby-boy tell a joke before this very moment?

Marrisa:
Oh, shit! ShitshitshitshitshitshitshitshitSHIT!

Joel:
What- WHAT?????????

Marrisa:
DAMN it! I forgot to refill the water jug in the old guy's room!

Sheila:
The one that came in last night?

Marrisa:
Yes. Shit! (deep breath, let our loud)  Okay- (starts to pull uniform back over head) Great!

Francisca:
Shit, Marrisa, get out of here! One of us'll do it, I'll do it. Get outta here-

Marrisa:
(Quickly jerks off as much uniform as she had gotten into back over her head, drapes it over her arm, quick peck on cheek to Francisca. Light sparks as her lips meet Franciscas, briefly.)

You're a doll, darlin- thanks!

Marrisa hops off loading dock and quickly exits, stage left

Tommyboy:
Jeez, she's dedicated! It's not like he's gonna do any water-drinkin in that coma

Joel:
Maybe it's for (makes distasteful face) "the family"

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Hospital Room:

Cell-phone ringing sound. P goes in bag, more rummaging, finds phone, answers,

Penny:
Ello! What? What? Okay, I'm listening- slow down!
 
 

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Loading dock:

Tommyboy:
Ey- Frannie- did ja get those spiralina capsules in yet? I'm really sloughing it off when I take em- 21 and 3/4 lbs. already!

Bob:
Woah- you really have it "down to the decimal" there!

Joel:
Hey- ya gotta take credit for every OUNCE of good you do, right? In hopes it may balance our fuck-ups?

Tommyboy:
SaGAcious advice: oh wise one!

Francisca:
Shit Tommyboy, I'm sorry! They came in over a week ago!
(jumps off loading dock, walks towards back of van)
I have em' at home- hold on a minute- I'll get them

During phone conversation:
(walks towards "van" rolls up "backdoor"- her home is revealed- haphazard stuff everywhere- a futon plopped in the center, partly on top of things (lumpy?). Various plants are hanging from "walls", some soil, fallen out while crusin even though she drives real slow and is ribbed about it often, is around, she brushes it off things sometimes- only absentmindedly, so it only goes onto something else. Oil paintings and various "Indian" things around- fetishes, skulls, whatever (creative freedom here)  and also a few oil paintings in progress (wet) on easels. Oil paint streaks/ blotches/ stains can be found all over. She rummages through, finally finding the box of "product"- rummages through THAT and gets his bottleful, then yanks a candystriper uniform off the wall (2 or 3 on hangers flat against wall) everything hung is on big hooks, on wall of van, as if magnetic. Then she jumps back on loading dock and says her line during break in hospital room phone conversation, exits into darkness, upstage towards right- reenters hospital room wearing uniform. When she leaves loading dock, scene is almost completely darkened so you can see the actors, still, in silhouette, laughing, talking, getting up and going, till last one leaves, simultaneous with Frannie leaving hospital room after "healing", and all lights go completely to black. end of act  one

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Hospital room:

Joey and Geoffrey listen a while., G pretending not to, J reacts to some things she says, occasionally looking up.

Penny:
NO--- he wasn't DRIVING- you think we'd be talking right now if I had been the passenger when his ticker decided to stop!
 Okay, but I HAVE the power of attorney so I can if I-
 Right, but.........
 No, I'm NOT thinking of it right NOW- I mean, he has a heartbeat again, even though it's been getting slower and slower. One of the little volunteers said it reminded her of a tiny wick at the end of a candle burning it's last flame, not even realizing that by continuing to burn it's causing it's own death by melting the very wax that will smother it.
 Yeah, I thought so too. She had dance tights under her uniform- must be one of those crazy artists- they can't ever talk in straight words!
  So what if it IS years- he's rich!
 Well, no, not really, once we were watching one of those doctor shows and somebody was pulled and he made some crack about "good riddance" but I don't think we should read much into it he said that quite a lo-
 No.
 No.
 Well, look, okay, I don't care. I'm tired and I'm hungry and I'm surrounded by Piranhas.
 Huh? Oh- never mind.
 Okay, sure, just a sec
(starts rummaging through her purse for a pad to write something on, and a pen, this takes time if you recollect her multi-compartmentalized purse)

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Loading dock:

Francisca:
K, here! (tosses bottle of pills to Tommyboy)

Tommyboy:
Jeez, Frannie- there's ultramarine blue smeared all over the bottle! God, girl, if you're gonna do oils, get yourself a home!

Francisca:
Yeah, well- someday maybe. (pulls off t-shirt, tosses it to him) here- use this to wipe it off (sniffs underarms, makes small scrunchy face, shrugs, pulls uniform over head, buttons front three buttons up to neck, tucking peace medallion inside) I'd better get to work!

Joel:
Speaking of which, soup kitchen tonight?

Francisca:
Yeah, why, you wanna come by the back-kitchen door an get a little favor from the cook, boy-toy?

Joel:
Of COURSE

Francisca:
Yeah, well I'll be done bout 7:30, but then I've gotta be out at the barn by 10

Tommyboy:
The BARN again? Are they paranoid at J.C.'s? He's got a much better sound system.

Francisca:
Not my business. It's the barn tonight. I got some orders to drop off- then I think I'm gonna head back here an snooze. I'm really tired.

Joel:
Well, I'll stop by and eat with you, but you know how I hate those raves. And I'm kinda beat too, I'm gonna crash early tonight. Anyway, you may get lucky- an you wouldn't want me around to cramp your style!

Francisca:
Oh, comeon baybee, you know you can cramp my style ANY ol time you'd like!
 (Joel blushes, gives shy pose)
Okay, see ya later babes! See ya guys!

ALL:
Bye Frannie! (except S who says "Francisca")

Francisca exits etc. as previously explained

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Penny:
(writing on pad she's finally found)   Okay. Right. Right. 249, pound key, 6? Fine. What? (Francisca enters, goes around bed to little swingy over-bed kine hospital table, takes water jug off, starts leaving, turns around, takes cup and tray too, leaves- boys look up when she comes in and eye her whole time- Joey, boldly- Geoffrey, seratiptiously) No, far as I know there's no more surprises in the woodwork. No- the only one is Becky- she was real little when he left the house- one or maybe two- they've never been close- and anyway, she doesn't care much for money and stuff- she lives on that commune up in Madison. Yeah, right, Kosmic Farms.
 Well, they're self- sufficient! Look, they don't even have phones-
 12,12 1/2 miles out,
 right, yeah- it looks small on the map, I know, but it's paved.
North. Yeah, It's got a big sign at the entrance.
Well, if you MUST but I tell you, she doesn't ca-
 
(Frannie exits)

Well, okay. She's known by the name Moonglow now.

You're a smart alec- you know that, right? (laugh)
 
Okay.

Joey:
(to Geoffrey) What a nice ass on that chick

Penny:
Okay, bye then. (hangs up, shoves notepad, pen, and phone in purse)

Geoffrey:
(to Joey) Is there anything that exists that you can not soil? You are like unto a pig.

Joey:
Oh! Such fancy prep-school talkin'!

Penny:
Will you little animals stop fighting? Or get out of here? I'm getting a MASSIVE headache............

Joey:
It's YOUR headache. YOU get out!

Penny:
You know, that sounds like a good idea. I'm hungry- and if I stay here even another second
(Frannie enters from stage right with filled water jug, and plastic- sheathed cup/tray combo, places them down and unwraps and arranges on tray, ignoring the family)
I'm going to lose my appetite listening to you little greedy parasites trying to one-up eachother
(turns and says, while leaving)
you disgust me
(exits, stage right)

Joey:
(mimics face grotesquely) Blahh blahh blahh blahh blahh blahh blahh blahh blahh.......
Hey- buddy-
(Geoffrey lifts head, gives him disgusted look)
look, we're in this together- what’d’yah say we unplug the old man, give the old lady some LSD or somethin so she flips an they take the power of attorney away, and then split the loot?

Geoffrey:
(looks at Frannie, still ignoring them, starting to putter around, straighten things up, etc.)
That would be illegal!

Joey:
Oh, comeon, if I was seriously thinking of it, I wouldn't uh spilled the beans in fronttuh Little Miss Candystriper there

Geoffrey laughs, then looks down, sheepish

Jeez, you look tired. Hey, there's oneuh them automated coffee machines down the hall, wanna go get some? The witch is at the cafeteria- we could go there but........

Geoffrey:
(laughs) No no no, I don't have any water to throw at her!

Joey:
(laughs, gets up)
Why, yes you do!
(Picks up fresh water pitcher)
 Melt, witch, MELT!

Geoffrey:
Cut it out! Let's go get some legally sanctioned amphetamines!

Joey:
What?
 
Geoffrey:
(Tries to give him a "friendly punch on the arm", awkwardly)
I'll splain it ta ya on da way, kin-boy

(as they exit, stage right)

Joey:
What?

Francisca:
(picks up full bag out of garbage, twists it, holding it in one hand- starts towards door- notices sound of heart monitor slowing down- looks at it over her shoulder- pauses- then looks closer- moves a little closer to old man, looks at him, reaches over to brush hair off his forehead, a little light sparkles around her hands every time she touches him. She says:)

There, there. Comeon now, don't give up! Poor old man! I know you can hear everything those guys are saying. Idiots like that aren't generally well- read in coma research, huh? Sure can understand though why you wouldn't wanna stick around with relatives like that to deal with! (pause) OR- (stops smoothing, rests hand on forehead) you COULD stick around to SPITE them. Heh- heh-heh-

(soft light starts pulsing around her hands- florescent pastel blue would probably be closest to authentic. Angelic music up, very subtle yet heard, in background. After Francisca leaves, the music increases as the heartbeat speeds up till it reaches a "healthy" level (both actually) and playing and beeping continue through scenebreak. Music fades down as lights go up to start act 2 Heart rate gets progressively stronger and more even! Wow!)
 
 

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ACT TWO

Lights up on hospital scene

Old man Craig (OMC):
(Bolts up in bed)
Where is she?  Where IS she? (yelling) Nurse! Nurse! NURSE!

Nurses rush in, then the family, all talking animatedly in Pantomime. Old man Craig motions for hospital- desk  phone nearby, the 2 boys fight over who gets to give it to him and Penny finally snatches it and hands it to ol man. He picks it up, dials, starts "talking"

Lights down

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Lights up on hospital scene

Ernie, P.I., walks in from stage right

OMC:
Okay, everybody! Out out out!
(everyone starts to leave, including Ernie)
Not YOU Ernie!

Ernie:
Oh. (looks suspiciously then smugly around at everyone else as they stream past him and depart, stage right)

OMC:
Well?

Ernie:
Well what?

OMC:
Well, what have you FOUND for me since I CALLED you!

Ernie:
Oh- right. Okay, the USUAL volunteer on this floor during that shift is named Marrisa but it seems she left early for a dance class at the little college they have here--

OMC:
Who the hell cares then? I want HER name------

Ernie:
Well, your grandsons weren't much help. One said all he noticed was her ass- and the other one said he was crying so hard he didn't want to look at her cause he was embarrassed over his bloodshot eyes

OMC:
Bunchah crap- look- not too many girls smell like that hippie-perfume anymore- it ain't the sixties anymore- though my sister Becky- excuse me- "MOONglow" seems to think so- surely you can find her with THAT clue alone- God, man! How hard can it be! There's only TWO FLOORS in this godforsaken hospital! How many employees could they HAVE? Just go through the hall and smell them all- shouldn't take you more'n ten minutes even if you TOOK your TIME! (Ernie leaves, looking dejected, stage right.)
 

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Lights up on loading dock, down on hospital room. Ernie walks onto loading dock from upstage left darkness, leans against backflat, lights a cigar, enter Geoffrey, from same place Ernie just entered. They both laugh.

Geoffrey:
(hands a sketch pad to Ernie)
 Here it is-

Ernie:
Verrrrrr-y professional-like. Where'd ya learn to do this kinda artwork, boy?

Geoffrey:
I'm NOT a boy! I'm 21- old enough to drink- way old enough to die in valor for our country- teh. Well, if you must know, it was at a preparatory school. And the income from the tabloid you sell this to will pay for my art school. The old man thought he'd cheat me out of this chance by not dying! Well- I'll show him! And the stupid girl that "helped" him!

Ernie:
Whatever. As long as I get my piece of the proverbial pie.

Geoffrey:
Oh, don't worry, little man. You'll get your salary, and maybe a little BONUS too- IF you start treating me with RESPECT.

Ernie:
Got it. Want me to go to that hippie-gathering outsidduh town and get her? It's pretty late- all the little rainbows should be back at camp...............

Geoffrey:
I don't know. It'll be easier than cutting her off at the pass here- (looks around nervously) she does have friends.....

Ernie:
Well, maybe. But that pregnant flower-teen that reeked of patchouli swore she'd never seen her before last night, and that the healer-chick, whose name she conveniently failed to remember- didn't seem to be real comfortable there. Maybe it's a waste of time- maybe she won't even BE there! Oh, yeah- and she said that she was kinda- tough lookin- dressed all in black, and had deep eyes and all. Then again, I think she woulduh told me just about anything to get me from draggin her off which I was in the process of doing............

Geoffrey:
I strongly suggest you watch your behavior, you little irrational mole! This is pretty close-enough to a small town that you could blow it all if you start roughing up the locals- no matter how...deviant they may be.

Ernie:
Well..............

Geoffrey:
No. Just sell the picture and the story. Get outta here. I'll handle the rest. I think I can find help.........
(Ernie exits, stage left, Geoffrey exits, upstage left)
 

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Hospital room:
 
Lights up. Joey in chair, reading mags again, ol man in bed- phone on table right next to him

Geoffrey:
(enters from stage right) Hey- grampa- how are you feeling this evening? It's getting late. Are you tired, or would you like me to order you some TV?............

OMC:
Are you BATTY? I've been sleepin for a whole goddamn DAY! That fancy school I paid for didn't teach you much about observing the obvious, did it, boy?

Geoffrey:
(looking crestfallen) Look, grampa, I didn't mean to offend you- I just thought.........never mind. (defensive) and- look- I didn't know you were sponsoring my education until you told me. In fact, I didn't even know you existed till last night

OMC:
Yeah, your momma was quick to spit out THAT information when she thought I might croak before she could drain me for college money. She better not hold her breath----well, unless SHE wants to be in a coma! It CAN be fun!
(Joey sniggers audibly, eyes still down on magazine)

Geoffrey:
(makes sour face, quickly "rights" it to ass-kissing mode)
 Oh, Grampa, you are SUCH a kidder! (to Joey) Hey "buddy", want to join me for a cup of coffee- this time MY treat?

Joey:
No, thanks. It's a little late fa me- I'd be shakin and a pacin allllll night long

Geoffrey:
(through his teeth) Then maybe you would like a SODA?

Joey:
(catches on) well- yeah, sure, come to think of it a soda would be JUST the thing the doctor ordered! (looks at ol man, they both laugh, obvious friendship)

OMC:
Yeah- get lost! Give this old man a little time to himself- at least until the witch gets back from her errands!

(Geoffrey  and Joey look at eachother, confused/worried)

Joey:
"The witch"! That's a good one, Gramps. How do'ya come up with someuh this stuff- I don't know! Comeon, Jeffie boy. Let's give im' some space (they exit, stage right)

Ol man laughs after they leave, picks up a folder full of papers from side table, puts glasses on, starts riffling through/ reading

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Geoffrey & Joey enter loading dock from upstageleft

Joey:
(Sucking on a soda) so, you didn't call me out here to discuss the WEAther now, didja?

Geoffrey:
Look, we gotta find that girl the old man's looking for, before anyone else, so WE can get the credit...

Joey:
Well...looky here.....the preppie DOES have a shady side

Geoffrey:
(feigning embarrassment) It's not SHADINESS- look, what would be more shady- his GRANDSONS being heroes, or some sleazy REPORTER or PI or...

Joey:
The Witch!

Geoffrey:
Do you think he heard us talking when he was in that coma?

Joey:
I- I don't know much about that medical stuff.........I.......well, sure seems like it, huh?

Geoffrey:
All the more reason to get in his good graces.

Joey:
Yeah. Guess you're right at that!

(They pantomime-talk for awhile, J exits stage left- G, upstageleft)

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Hospital room: Penny enters, from stage right

Penny:
(walks over, gently starts to push together piles of paper on old man's blanket while she talks)
Oh, Boris, you don't have to do all this WORK right now! You should rest!

OMC:
(pushing her hands away, fussy-like)
Go go go go go go go go GO! God, little sister, you're like a mosquito! Go away! This is the stuff that keeps my heart pumpin' (pause) That's what you want, right?

Penny:
(tired-as-if-she’s-heard-it-before) Yes, Boris.............

(enter nurse)

Nurse:
Sir- there's some reporters to see you!

OMC:
Good! Send em' in
(reporters come in)
So, you got the basic story, guys. It seems at this point she doesn't even know she's healed me- and so she probably won't be expecting you- don't scare her now- you HEAR? (beat) The folks round here say she sleeps in her truck out back but sometimes she don't come back till mornin IF you CATCH my drift. Her shift starts at 7AM tomorrow, and if any of you are hardy enough to camp out on the concrete and wait for her to show up - well- your gonna break a doozy of a story!

Reporter:
But, till then, can I just get a quick interview with you? Did you die? If so, did you have an after-life experience?

Another Reporter:
How do you know a real person healed you, and it wasn't, like, angels or ET’s or something.........

Christian reporter:
Did the LORD JEsus apPEAR to you in ALL his GLORY?

Another Reporter (sleazy one):
What did it feel like when she put her little soft hands on yo-

OMC:
No interviews till I meet the girl! Now, get outta here! (they leave, Penny gives OMC a "look")

Penny:
Been questioning the help, huh?

OMC:
Sometimes an old helpless- looking man can get information easier than a fat little sleazy private eye in a bad suit, hum?

Penny:
SOMEtimes? Hummmmmmm....................(they both break out laughing)

  fade to black

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Loading dock:

Reporters enter from upstage, with various equipment, some with bedding, some without, take various "spots” and set up stuff- give eachother sideways looks- settle in, some start to sleep, one particularly sleazy looking man stays up, though, drinking from a flask and scrawling notes down on a pad in the scant light.

fade to black

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lights up on hospital room and loading dock scene, everyone's sleeping. Sound of Francisca's van pulling up, light up on back'o'van, sleazy reporter wakes. He takes out camera, and starts shooting photos. Car door slams. A couple of the other reporters start to rouse, assess situation, cautiously and quietly take out equipment, video and still cameras, notebooks, mini-tape recorders, etc. Francisca comes round side of "van" cussing, bends down as she rounds corner to pick up something she's dropped, swirls quickly around to open back door, in obvious hurry, so doesn't notice reporters. Still cussing, pulling off clothes, very sexy underwear- maybe leather/binding underneath shirt she pulls off and tosses onto pile on futon

Francisca:
Shit- men. WHAT a weakness!  Aggghhhhhh............

(Grabs uniform from wall- grabs shampoo bottle- puts it back down, throws down uniform, with hanger still in, in a heap next to shampoo bottle)

 Shit shit shit-

(grabs bath robe, drapes it over, rummages for tie, can't find it, throws hands up in air, heavy sigh, closes robe and holds with one hand, picks up shampoo bottle with other hand, shoves it in pocket, picks uniform back up, notices smudge of oil paint, grabs discarded shirt from off pile, rubs it, spits, rubs it some more)

 oh shit! WHATEVER! It'll have to do.

Turns around, moving towards loading dock, suddenly stops when she sees reporters. Her hands drop down, and the robe falls open. Moment of silence as they look at eachother

Sleazy reporter:
You're Francisca Talhart?

Francisca:
Yes...............

Reporter:
So when did you know you had this healing power?

Another reporter:
Were you trained or just born with it?

Sleazy reporter:
Do you have to TOUCH everyone you heal? Huh? And just WHERE do you TOUCH them girlie- girl? Did you get this job in this hospital just to get your rocks off? To get some sexual thrill, huh? You're some kinda sick pervert, aren't you????? We know about your "freelovin" ways! Where ya' been all night?

Well dressed fundamentalist-Christian reporter:
Well- if you speak his NAME- the name of the LORD- our one and ONLY lord JESUS -then we shall KNOW if you are from Jehovah, or, from that OTHER place!!!!!

Francisca:
(looking frightened)
I-----I----------

Joey:
(from upstage center)
Quick! Here!

( Frannie quickly runs out upstage/left exit, following Joey. Sound of heavy door slamming and lock bolting. Reporters look at eachother, scramble in that direction, struggle with an imaginary door, curse/giving up pantomimes, sleazy reporter, off to side, starts to sneak off stage left. One other sees him and starts to follow. Others see that one and all exit, as hospital scene commences)

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Hospital Room:

Joey:
(Pushing Francisca into room, little flash of light where he touches her, and shutting and locking door behind him

Okay, you'll be safe in here for a short time I’m really sorry about those assholes. The ol' man SPECIFICALLY told them not to scare you!

Francisca:
What the hell---------

OMC:
Sshhhhh.... you'll attract some negative fundamentalists with that language, jest like bees to fresh-opened flowers.
Well, not JUST like, but..

Francisca:
Kapeesh, ol man, I get it. Rather nicely put in fact. See you got outta that coma'uh yours. Back with the living, huh?

O.M.C.:
(He smiles) Thanks to you!

Francisca:
(To O.M.C.):   What?!?    (to Joey)   What the-------heck is GOING ON HERE? What's with the reporters? This idea the old man's got that I healed him or somethin'? You've got to excuse me but I'm half asleep, I haven't even had coffee or a shower yet......

Joey:
(holding nose)
Yeah, we can tell

Francisca:
Well, I WAS ON MY  way to go and do just that when I was accosted by an assorted band of freakish loading-dock zombie-parasite creatures!

OMC:
Look, I want to talk with you, I've been looking for you....I.........but we don't have time now! Is there anyone we can trust- REALLY trust- in here? To get you away somehow?

Francisca:
Well, yeah- gee, a bunch of people........there's---

Joey:
No, not all, one, the best. A little wily, they think on their feet- quick- think!

Francisca:
Joel. He'll be here in 5-10 minutes probably. He'll go to 2nd floor locker room.

Joey:
Okay, I'll get him- you'll go now and hide- where?

Francisca:
Hide? I------

OMC:
I strongly suggest you get your butts outta here. I hear something

Francisca:
Paper closet Inn. He'll know..............

Joey:
(sleazy/knowing smile)
ummmm- hummmm........................

Francisca quickly exits, stage right,  pause, reporters enter, stage right

Sleazy reporter:
Where is she? I know she was in here (sniff sniff) I can (makes face) still smell her.......

OMC:
Who?

Reporters/OMC start heated pantomimed conversation with much arm waving while Joey sneaks out stage right ("door") then enters loading dock from backstage right

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Loading Dock:

Joey enters loading dock as mentioned, paces a short time, sound of car door slamming, Joel bounces up, car keys jingling as he's shoving them into his pocket, or trying to, WHILE bounding up onto the platform

Joey:
Hey!

Joel:
What? Hey- who are you? Wait. You're one of those relatives of the old man on floor two.

Joey:
Don't judge me too harshly. I'm not what I seem. And I DO care for the old man- but- look- maybe we'll chat about all this sometime but right now we got us an emergency?

Joel:
Us?

Pantomime conversation of them while hospital room conversation happens, then they both exit, two different ways

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Hospital Room:

OMC:
Yeah, they're called the Rainbow Tribe. Yeah R-A-I-N-B-O-W. Ummm Hummmm. Subversives all of them. Used to hiding non-violent offenders. Not a penny to rub together- but they'll feed em, move em....care for em.

Christian Reporter:
That sounds, actually, very Christian

OMC:
Well, who knows, good is done in mysterious ways, God knows. That's where I'd go if I were you...........

All but sleazy reporter leaves

Sleazy reporter:
You know of course I don't believe that bull for a minute. Tell me where she really is.

OMC:
Well.....I don't rightly know, but there IS a dance recital tonight at the college and I heard one of my Grandsons telling the other that he'll be there because he had found out one of her girlfriends is in the performance and is going to give hand-signals to someone in the crowd telling of her exact location. I bet that idiot-boy won't even think to bring a camera! How is he expected to remember and simultaneously interpret those signals? SO frustrating to have such stupid relatives to depend on when I'm stuck in bed like this. (beat) No. It's a lost cause.

Sleazy reporter:
Well......I'm gonna get me a cup'a Joe. Want one?

OMC:
He-he-he, no silly. Ticker- remember

Sleazy reporter:
(uncomfortably, sliding towards "door”, stage right)
Oh. Yeah, right, right- of course- uh, see ya later................

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Lights up on loading dock, everyone there from gang but Tommy-boy and Joel

Sheila:
What do'you think Joel wanted?

Marrisa:
I don't know, but his writing was scrawled on the note he left in my locker- either he always writes like that and he'd make a great doctor- or he's tense and was in a hurry which must mean trouble

Bob:
I bet it's about Frannie.

Marrisa:
No, duh? Do you know how many people have been questioning me? What the hell is going on here? Is our Frannie really a healer? Is that crazy chain- smokin coffee-guzzlin- mouth like a sailor-leather underwear clad promiscuous loner, my best and wackiest friend, somekind of SPIRITUAL BEING? If this is true- well- I won't know how to act around her! I'm serious!

Bob:
Tell me about it...........

Sheila:
Actually, I feel kinda mad at her. I mean, you know, if she knew she had this power.

Bob:
Why?

Sheila:
Well-look at how many times over the years that we- we, her very best friends in the world, have been sick- injured-and not ONCE did she offer to help us? What IS that? Gee, Marrisa, you pulled that muscle just a few weeks ago that kept you down on the floor observing for 3 whole classes- the Professor From Hell half- grades you for that- Francisca knew that- and knew how important grades were to you- if she knew she had this- thing- why didn't she tell us?

Joel and Joey enter from upstage left

Joel:
Maybe she didn't want to turn into a freak show.

They all turn towards them

Bob:
What'do you mean- hey- who's this- you brought one of the barnacle brothers here?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Joey:
BARNacle brothers? What the hell is THAT supposed to mean?

Joel:
Hey- let's not get started off on the wrong foot here-----------

Tommy-boy enters from backstageleft

Tommyboy:
Barnacle brothers. That's what we've come to call you round' here, I guess you can say it's a nickname of sorts. Don't rightly know if the brother part of it is right though- you don't look it- what, you with your punk look smell and attitude and he with his fair-haired nose in the air point of VIEW.....................

Joey:
Look- I know youse guys gotta low opinion of me and Geoffrey- (turns to Tommyboy)  no, he's not my brother         Thank God        and maybe in his case you're right- wouldn't trust him far as I could spit but- the fact is- you can trust me- and I've already proved it- and your friend Fannie is in trouble- and we need to work together whether you like it or not to get her outtah here.

Sheila:
If it wasn't for your Grandfather's big mouth she wouldn't be in this mess!

Joey:
He wanted to reward her- he was excited- he- oh, I don't know- the man had just visited the other side for so long they almost couldn't get his ticker started- then hovered barely alive, slipping back there slowly, slowly, then- from what he felt- some human angel woman visits him and he wakes up spiritually stoned and-

Joel:
And we know the rest, so......Fannie's in papercloset Inn.

Bob and Sheila look at eachother

Tommyboy:
(looks  at Bob & Sheila) Yeah, so we need to keep out...........................(looks at Joey & Joel)  and we need to keep other people out

Joel:
Well, we've made a little alcove for her at the back- noone'll probably see her- but Joey's gonna be there with her anyway, and if you guys could kinda make yourself real accessible to running any paper errands for the rest of the day if they come up- it's Thursday and that's really a Monday job as we're all aware of............

Bob and Sheila blush

So it's probably not gonna come up. (beat)  She wants to leave alone- she says she's got somewhere to go- I don't know- you know Frannie- always mysterious if she can be but- well- I think it's actually a good idea at this point. that we don't know where she's goin. We're gonna try'an sneak her out around sundown- the old man's got the reporters hanging out at the Rainbow Camp till at least sundown, thinking she'll show up. The sleezebag guy (turns to Marrisa) is going to see our lady dance tonight- (laughs)  thinks she's gonna be giving hand signals telling of dear Francisca's  location................

Marrisa:
Maybe I WILL...... FAKE signals- throw him off.......make him think she's going to Dallas- or Mexico- or........maybe India? My dance teacher'll be so pissed if I break form- during a public performance of all things-0 this would damage my grades for sure- good, I can't please the bitch anyway. Tell me what I can do- I'll do it. (raises hand and arm up in Musketeer-like salute)  One for all and all for one for Frannie!

Others look a eachother- brief moment of hesitation- then, they all at once force arms into center of circle

All but Marrisa:
ONE FOR ALL AND ALL FOR ONE FOR FRANNIE!  (Sheila says FRANCISCA)
 

Lights muted on loading dock scene, group talks and disperses while hospital scene going

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Hospital Scene:

Lights up, OMC and Geoffrey are talking at the bedside. Machines are disconnected now, the room is filled with flowers, remnants of food, there's a fax machine next to his bedside and a laptop somewhere on the bed, open and on.

OMC:
(taking his checkbook off a side table)  Geoffrey, Boy, I know what kinda character you are   (Geoffrey looks surprised)   but I love ya anyway cause you're my Grandson, so I'll tell ya what I'm gonna do- I can't reward you too good after all the things you've done----

Geoffrey:
But Grammpa...............

O.M.C.:
(starting to write out a check) Now, now, boy----- hush your mouth and listen for a moment if you can-   (looks up at him)   You're a good drawer. Saw that sketch you made of Francisca. Got it  from the LAPD when they faxed me about bailing out Ernie.  (Picks up sheet from near fax machine and "reads") Seems they serve his favorite kind of expensive brandy he likes a real bunch in that first class coach  someone upped his booking to- and- gee- what with that bad suit and all- of course it couldn't be surprisin that he'd get at least one, maybe, slightly snobbish look by one of the classy passengers- say-   (puts paper back, looks back up at Geoffrey)   on his way back from the lavatory perhaps---- a little too much Remy.............you know.............   (Geoffrey looks tense and slightly terrified)     yeah, and it's amazing what some people'll tell you when they need such a large sum for bail, mid-air crimes- especially assault- well...............

Geoffrey:
Well. (hangs head)

O.M.C.:
Ah- it's okay, Sonny-boy! Sheetz, you actually remind me a little of myself (hearty laugh, punches him on arm, then back to check-writing)   Here- here's fifty thousand- not much, but more than enough to get cha through art school and buy yourself an occasional whore or treat some art-girls right and trick em' intuh rollin with ya- yeah- and get'cherself an apartment- have em' bill me for the rent. You come and visit every so often round my place- maybe at Thankgivings or something- summer break- I got a nice spread- and go to enough classes that they don't kick ya out- well- the cash'll keep flowin'- I got enough of it that I don't darn well know what to do with it half the time anyway. And you are my Grandson.

Geoffrey:
Grandfather, I don't know what to say.

O.M.C.:
(ripping off check, handing it to Geoffrey)   Then don't say anything. Just get your butt to Boston and start lookin' for places. Ya run intuh any trouble, call Penny at the estate- she should be there in a day or two after she- takes careuh business at the ol' jailhouse!  (Geoffrey’s eyes well up, he starts to cry )   Now....comeon, now, they'll be noneuh that. Get goin. Make me proud.

Geoffrey shakes his hand, exits stage right. OMC picks up laptop, starts typing, lights stay up

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Darkened upstage center set

Lights stay down, yet you can hear Joey and Francisca talking

Joey:
So this is paper closet inn, huh?

Francisca:
Yeah, nothing to write home about, ey?

Joey:
Home. What's that?

Francisca:
Where the heart is? (beat) But seriously- you have a home, right?

Joey:
Actually------no. I live on the streets- BUT DON'T TELL THE OL' MAN- he thinks I've got a room. Actually, I might have a home soon- think I might stay with him an' Penny for awhile. She's really not too bad- once ya get tuh know'er, an, well, ya know she's been takin careuh him for a long time......maybe I could give'er a break, though, gee, he seems fine an' feisty to me since you did that magic hand trick on em'

Francisca:
Oh, comeon, it's not MAGIC- my momma told me since I was a young girl that everyone's got love in their hands, and if they touch someone and think loving thoughts that- well- it's like kissing a boo boo and making it feel better is all.

Joey:
Yeah, right. I couldn't do it.

Francisca:
Yeah, sure ya can!

Joey:
Nah.

Francisca:
Try.

Joey:
Whatuh mean?

Francisca:
I mean, touch me and think lovin thoughts and see what happens.

Joey:
Oh- comeon, you're not sick!

Francisca:
Well. actually, I do feel a little sore
(beat, flash of light on their hands, she's clasping one of his, by the wrist, with one of hers)
 down here.

Joey:
(little gasp, very subtle sparkling lights where they touch, yet not enough to reveal anything. They fade down after she says her line)
Oh my God, girl. (Breathy) Oh, that feels good down there. Ummmmm. . You are great, man. You don't belong in this uptight society.

Francisca:
Shut up and heal me!
 

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Lights fullup on loading dock scene. Enter, Marrisa, from upstage left "door", Joel  stageright/center "entrance". Then bump into eachother, little tense/frightened jump, put their hands over eachothers mouths, laugh a little under hands, switch to cover their own mouths tightly with their own hands, real physical humor interlude. Some improv possibilities. Finally.......)

Joel:
( takes some keys with feathers and Native-American medallions hanging as multi- “keychains", out of his pocket )
 Here they are- you remember where to park it?

Marrisa:
Of course. Will I see you later?

Joel:
Of course, it'll look better if we're all there. Joey too, playing the stupid grandkid without a camera. Not Tommyboy, though- that sleezy reporter's got us pegged- believing ol' Tommyboy'd go to a pansy dance-thing, well, it'd make him suspicious if he were there.

Marrisa:
Yeah, I suppose so................

Lights muted on loading dock scene  as keys are passed, Joel goes back "into hospital" through stageright/center "entrance", Marrisa goes to side of "van", hear car door slam, car starting up, driving away and fading sound effect, then lights to black- all as hospital scene commences.

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Hospital Scene:
Francisca enters, stage right. Her hair's wet, she has hospital orderly’s clothes on. Joey's already there
O.M.C.:
(Looks up from typing, puts laptop to the side)   Come in, come in!
Francisca:
(going to his bedside, takes his hands in hers)   I'm here
.O.M.C.:
I wish we had more time, dear.............
Francisca:
Well, we'll make the most of what time we have, now, WON'T WE?????
O.M.C.:
I know what you're sayin', you young wise woman!   (Francisca starts to say something) No, NO! Joey's told me all about you. Guess you know a bunch about him after being holed up in that closet for so long...........   (looks inquisitively back and forth at them, inferring suspicion they had sex, both are obviously forced stony-)  So, do you need anything? I see you finally got your shower...............
Francisca:
No- I'm fine. Look, I- well- I'm not sorry. I knew someone would find out someday. And I'm glad you're still here. You're a feisty old man- I like you.

O.M.C.:
Well.....I like you pretty well too sweety.....ya know, I don't look too bad in a tux, and I'm a great dancer!

Francisca:
Well, It's a date if you can come to me. Casual dress would be more practical there, though!

O.M.C.:
Okay, sweetie- you have fun okay? Don't do anything I wouldn't do

Joey:
Oh, yeah, and what would that be? (they all laugh, lights fade to black)
 

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ACT THREE

Lights up on center stage, kinda upstage more than down, setback as it were. Scene has been completely hidden during entire play up to now. It is the interior of a cabin- like building. There  are long benches and tables of unfinished wood, on tables are varying packing crates, and shipping/packing paraphenalia, ziplock bags, labels, order forms/inserts (ambient papers) empty boxes, and big vessels marked with large herb labels: Chamomile, peppermint, wild ginseng, etc.. Many oil paintings, obviously worked on for awhile, in Francisca's style- Native American meets Georgia O'Keefe feel- are in background perched along walls and in corners on various scrap-wood handmade type easels of all sizes and shapes.

Francisca, now called Willow, openly wearing peace symbol, and Saffire, are in the room puttering around packing dried herbs, taping boxes shut, collating inserts, labeling, etc.

Saffire:
(Walking over towards Willow at her work area)   Hey- Willow! Woah! You on speed or somethin? Looks like you're almost done and it's only eleven..........

Willow:
(still working while talking)   Oh, it's nothing. I love this work- get these fresh, organically grown herbs out to people.......fuck those damn people-poisoning pharmaceutical companies!........Well, anyway, the work's meditative and the motive is worthy. A winning combo!

Saffire:
Speaking of winning combos..... (he moves closer to her)    you gonna come BY tonight, pretty lady?   (kisses her neck provocatively, light sparkles on contact)    Moon glow and the kids would love to see ya- it's been a few nights. So would I. I also KNOW the Old Man would LOVE another dance like you gave him the other night, huh?  (tickles her on belly from position he's in behind her-  LIGHT SPARKLES ON EVERY TOUCH- CONTACT- she bends over a little laughing, then turns around and he grasps her near and they french- not too long but- quality, pulsing lights on lips increasing with intensity of kiss)

Willow:
Yeah, I'll be there. I want to be around anyway so maybe if she goes into labor I can sneak in.

Saffire:
Oh, comeon Willow-girl   (hugs her closer again, keep "touch" lights happ'nin)   You know you're welcome at any birth of my Lady's. She adores you!

Willow:
And I her.

Saffire:
(pulls away, "touch" lights off, starts gathering stuff to leave)   Well, thanks for finishing up here- I'm off to nap- Moonglow's out at the gardens till 2, the kids are down by the pond with Sunbeam- maybe I'll get some rest.

Willow:
Well, why don't you send the Old Man over for awhile? He'll only be here a short time longer at this point, since the baby'll be here any day now. I'd like him to see my oils before he goes. Then maybe we can walk down to the gardens together- I need some stuff anyway, and I could use his help carrying some home. Then we'll gather up the kids, get Moonglow when we pass by the garden, and be at your place as late as I can swing it with tarrying here and there? Okay?

Saffire:
You're the best, babe. But- don't promise anything to Moonglow if you plan to be alone at your house for even a FEW minutes with the old guy!

Francisca:
I know- she told me- "watch out for Boris". But I knew that guy was feisty even when I first met him- and he was out cold at the time! Yeah, well, we'll leave the garden early to allow time......

Saffire:
You're some girl! See ya laytuh!
  (comes and kisses her-  lip lights on. Starts as a peck, deepens, bodies press, becomes fever-pitched erotic-  lights furious. He pulls back quickly at one point, lights suddenly off-and says:)
 UMMMMMMMMMM............ More later baby!

Willow:
More later!

Saffire exits, Frannie tapes box closed, puts hands on box,  angelic music starts fading up, closes her eyes, hands start pulsing/glowing with same light used in hospital scene, gets gradually brighter, then tapers down as lights fade down, you see her in gradually diminishing silhouette putting head up, placing box in pile to her left on table, taking another box from pile on right, sealing it with tape, putting her hands on it, bending down head, lights to black.
 

    THE END?
 

Continue to play music through final bows and as audience leaves :)