Chapter 1
(Soft piano playing in the background.)
The house smells like detergent and something older than sadness.
Scene 1 – Kitchen
Harmony:
“Mum… my graduation is next week.”
Ms. Wilson:
“I know. I told you — if I have time, I’ll come. If I don’t… then be it.”
Harmony swallows.
Harmony:
“What about dad? He missed my elementary graduation too…”
Ms. Wilson:
“How should I know? Am I his keeper? No, right? So I don’t know.”
Silence.
Harmony (softly):
“Sorry… for asking.”
Ms. Wilson:
“Stop the silly apologies and go do the laundry. The house stinks. I’m heading to work. Close my house.”
(Door slams. Soft music fades in.)
Scene 2 – Phone Call
(Phone ringing.)
Jioce:
“Hi girl.”
Harmony:
“Hey… I’m good.”
Jioce:
“You’re lying. What’s up?”
Harmony hesitates.
Harmony:
“I doubt there’ll be anyone at my graduation… cheering for me.”
Jioce:
“Let me guess. Your mum said, ‘I might be there.’”
Harmony:
“Yep.”
Jioce:
“Does she even care? Remember elementary school? She left you there the whole day. Ms. Shannon had to take you home.”
Harmony forces a laugh.
Harmony:
“I better not remember.”
Jioce:
“What about your dad?”
Harmony (laughing bitterly):
“He’s not even an option.”
Jioce:
“That’s not okay. Not when they have a daughter like you.”
Silence.
Harmony:
“What about your parents?”
Jioce:
“They went out on a date.”
Harmony smiles sadly.
Harmony:
“Wow. My dream family.”
Jioce:
“Every family has battles. But listen — what are you wearing to graduation?”
Harmony:
“Probably a rag.”
Jioce:
“Be serious.”
Harmony:
“I am. Mum says she won’t waste money on something that isn’t worth it.”
Pause.
Jioce (firmly):
“It IS worth it. You are worth it. I’ll ask my mum to get us matching outfits.”
Harmony:
“You don’t have to.”
Jioce:
“I want to. What will people say if I look stunning and my bestie doesn’t?”
Harmony smiles for real this time.
Harmony:
“I love you.”
Jioce:
“Love you more. I got your back.”
Scene 3 – Late Night
(Soft music playing. Lyrics faintly heard.)
In a closed door, I search for a key…
Wondering if you hid it from me…
Is it too much to ask for peace?
For love… for care… in this home?
The door creaks open.
Ms. Wilson:
“It’s too late for this nonsense. Turn off that song.”
Harmony:
“Sorry, ma’am.”
Ms. Wilson:
“Be up at 5 a.m.”
The door shuts.
Moments later…
The front door bangs open.
Mr. Robert (drunk):
“Woman! Look at me when I come home!”
Ms. Wilson:
“Look at the time you call this coming home.”
Mr. Robert:
“Say no word. I’m still the man of this house.”
Harmony freezes in the hallway.
She whispers to herself:
Harmony:
“I’ll just… go to sleep.”
She closes her door.
But sleep never comes.
