2022 YTF Playwrighting Challenge Entry
We proudly announce that this script is one of the entries of the 2022 YTF Playwrighting Challenge. Bobo along with Grace Huang and Gates Chen are representing ULink for this national event.
Characters
Johnny- He wants to study Art & Design as his major. He is rich and handsome and hard-working person but introverted and shy at the same time. He has a crush on Bessie and wants the virus to end.
Bessie– She wants to study Geography and Religion Studies as her major. She is rich and pretty and hard-working person and besties with Laura. She has a crush on Johnny and wants the virus to end.
Joseph– He wants to date Bessie. He studies Finance as his major. He is very rich and tall but playful and loyalty and irritable at the same time. He wants the virus to end and Bessie to change her views on him.
Laura– She wants to study Art & Design for major. She is a hard-working person. She has an older brother, Harry who has Autism. She is Bessie’s best-friend. She wants the virus to end.
Setting
London, England
Winter, 2019
Act 1
Scene 1
(School’s reception area where there are tables and chairs. Five students entered and waited for their parents to come.)
Joseph
Hey! My name is Joseph, nice to meet you guys! Are you all from China? (No one replies. Everyone is in silence for a while.)
Bessie
Hi! Yes, I’m Bessie from Guangzhou. Which grade are you in?
Joseph
Grade 11. What about you?
Bessie
Oh, I’m still in grade 8. (Johnny, Harry, and Laura look at their phones while Bessie and Joseph are talking. Their parents enter the main hall.)
Wendy
Good morning! I guess all of you are new students from China. Am I right? So, let me introduce myself. My name is Wendy, I have been in this school for a couple of years, and I will be your homeroom teacher for the entire year. If you have questions, you can message me at any time or find me in the office, which is on the first room on the second floor of this building.
(The students nodded, and the homeroom teacher continued.)
You may put your suitcases in your dorm and go enjoy your lunch!
Bessie
Okay, thank you Ms. Wendy. (The students followed Ms. Wendy to the dorm, after 10 minutes they went to the cafeteria, and they sat at the same table.)
Joseph
(He is looking at his phone)
Did you get the timetable that the school has just sent in our email? (Addresses to all. Everyone looks at their phones and checks.)
Bessie and Laura
Yes, I see.
Bessie
Hi I am Bessie! Are you in grade 8? (Turns to Laura)
Laura
No, I’m in grade 9. My brother is in grade 8. Oh, by the way, I am Laura. Nice to meet you.
Bessie
(Looks surprised) Your brother? Who’s your brother?
Laura
Him! (She puts her arm around his shoulder as she says this to Bessie.) This guy’s name is Harry (smiling as she says this.)
Bessie
Hi! Do you know which homeroom you are in? I heard that there are only 3. (Turns to Harry. Harry didn’t reply and did not even look at her. He looked a little bit embarrassed.)
Hi! So, you are in 8th grade?
Laura
(She turns to Bessie and whispers)
He’s got autism. (Bessie was shocked and couldn’t believe it. Now, she understands why he does not talk that much.)
Oh Bes, I think we should head back to the dorm now and unpack our stuff.
Bessie
Sure. Let’s go then.
Act 1
Scene 2
(After lunch, they plan to go back to dorm and unpack. On the way back, Joseph suddenly stopped Bessie)
Joseph
(Feels bashful as he turns to Bessie and introduces himself.) Umm… I’m Joseph, do you remember? Uh…yea… May I have your WhatsApp? I just wanna make friends with you. (He is fidgeting with nervousness and truly scared if she refuses it.)
Bessie
Okay. Sure, why not?! (They added each other’s contacts on WhatsApp.)
(On the way back, Bessie and Laura had an enjoyable conversation, and immediately became best friends.)
Act 1
Scene 3
On the second day, Monday and the official first day of school.Bessie saw on the name list that Harry is in the same homeroom as her. When both of them walked into the class, the homeroom teacher welcomed them, and asked them to sit with the person that the homeroom teacher has arranged.
Selina
Hi! Nice to meet you. I love your shirt! (Bessie is wearing casual clothes because she didn’t get her uniform yet.)
Bessie
Thank you!
(She is nervous because this is her first time studying in an international school and chatting with foreign people. She keeps looking around. As the school bell rings, all of them starts their first lesson on the first day of school.)
(BLACK OUT)
(END OF SCENE)
Act 2
Scene 1
(Five of them sit together at the cafeteria during dinner time.)
Bessie
How was your day?
Joseph
I think is okay, we haven’t done anything exciting just basically study.
Bessie
True, because this is the first day of our school. Do you know that we’d gonna have a party at this weekend? But I don’t know which day it is.
Laura
It’s on Saturday, I just saw that email.
Joseph
Cool, is it just for the new students? Or everyone?
Laura
New students only.
(After they finish their meal, they went to library for the evening study. They are being separated by grade level. After they quietly study for two hours and ready to go back to their dorm, Joseph called to Bessie.)
Joseph
Do you mind going to the School’s Top Shop with me?
Bessie
School’s Top Shop? What’s that?
Joseph
It’s the school’s convenient store. It’s just over that corner.
Bessie
I see, but why?
Joseph
Nothing, I just a wanna have a little chat. (Bessie and Laura exchanged looks and smiled at each other as if they as if one knew what the other is thinking.)
Bessie
Umm, I think I am gonna head back to my dorm. I’m just a bit tired today.
Joseph
Okay, it’s fine. (Bessie and Laura walk to the dorm together.)
Laura
Hey, did you notice something. (She snorts as she says this.)
Bessie
Hahahahah, nooooooooo, not that quick right.
Laura
Well, I can see from what he is doing. Asking for your WhatsApp and wanting to spend time with you. (She still looks at her with a lopsided smile.)
(BLACK OUT)
(END OF SCENE)
Act 2
Scene 2
(At the weekend party.)
Bessie
Oh, wow! This looks exciting!
Wendy
Good evening everyone! Welcome to our “Welcome Party to the Freshmen!” We have prepared some games for you guys and some snacks behind. You are free to take them if you want. Our aim for this event is mainly to understand our school’s objectives and philosophy and for everyone to get to know each other. (People scream with joy and clap wildly.)
So, now, boys and girls stand apart, and girls please come forward to pick a card. The card has your partner’s name on it. That person will be your partner tonight. (All the girls pick up a card containing the name of their partner.)
Bessie
Who did you pick?
Laura
Ethan? I don’t know who he is.
Bessie
(She shows him to Laura.) Johnny, is he the Chinese guy who came with us?
Laura
Yes, I think so.
Bessie
Omg, I was thinking I can talk to him. He is so handsome, don’t you think so? And I heard that he gets good grades, too. He’s pretty smart.
Laura
Lucky you! Go and find him then. (Bessie walked straight to Johnny.)
Bessie
Hi! Are you Johnny?
Johnny
Yes, I am.
Bessie
Which grade are you in?
Johnny
Grade 10, and you are from grade 8, right?
Bessie
(She looked surprised.) Yes, but how do you know?
Johnny
I remembered that you said it before.
Bessie
(Internal monologue…Bessie in her mind) Omg, he remembered what I said?! Doesn’t that prove that he likes? He’s so cute and smart. He is hardworking too. Although he’s two years older than me, but I think we can at least start as friends. I’ll use this excuse tonight to bond.
Bessie
What subject are you going to choose in A-level?
Johnny
I was thinking of Art and Design, but I’m not sure whether to choose that as a major or not.
Bessie
Okay, I see.
Wendy
Attention! The game is going to begin! The questions will pop out on this big screen, and you with your partner have to discuss what’s the correct answer. Let’s see who the winner will be tonight! (All of them had a heated discussion during each question, finally Laura and Ethan won.)
Bessie
Nice job Laura!
Laura
Thank you! How was it with you and Johnny?
Bessie
Pretty good, I think. (Johnny and Ethan walk to the two girls.)
Ethan
Do you wanna join us, for a little walk? (Bessie and Laura look at each other and didn’t say anything but just smiled.)
Laura & Bessie
(Said this in unison.) Sure!
(The four of them went for a little walk outside the room. They talked animatedly with each other especially Bessie and Johnny. It seems that they get along pretty well. They got closer after that walk.)
(BLACK OUT)
(END OF SCENE)
Act 3
Scene 1
At night, everyone is in a dream. But a terrible event came suddenly, with several unidentified cases. An uncertain virus spread quickly and attracted the attention of the government. In just few hours, the people in the entire Portsmouth District were infected, and the fatality rate was very high, panicking the entire news media around world.
Unfortunately, the school was affected by the virus, so the principal held an emergency meeting.
Principal
As we can see the real-time dynamics of the virus. We have to do some changes. I just get a notification from the government that every school that is near Portsmouth District has to stop the offline learning immediately! Therefore, Mr. Michael, you are going to take the responsibility of the day students, inform them to stay safe at home, and Ms. Wendy, you are going to take the responsibility of the boarding students and inform them to stay in their dorms and take attendance to make sure that everyone is there.
Mr. Michael and Ms. Wendy
Ok, got it. (Meanwhile, they note down the points and start emailing to notify the students and parents.)
(BLACK OUT)
(END OF SCENE)
Act 3
Scene 2
(When all students saw the email when they wake up, their eyes widened in disbelief.)
Bessie
Seriously?! (All Bessie fantasizes about her good life in England are shattered, because she knows the virus won’t recover in a short time.)
Laura
What happened?
Bessie
School is lockdown because of a certain virus that has plagued our entire district and perhaps the whole England, god knows where!
(Laura quickly came to her side, looking at the emergency email in a state shock. Two of them run out of the room and check if others get that email. Then they knew, all the other girls read it and the dorm is in a state of chaos.)
Ms. Wendy
Calm down girls. We are going to be safe in the dorm. The staff in cafeteria will bring us some breakfast in a minute.
(The girls enter their room in deep discussion. After few minutes, the school principal sent an emergency email.)
Dear staff and students,
We’re going to have a big fight against an uncertain virus, and unfortunately, we’ve just lost 27 people due to this virus, so we need to take precautions. The school is now thinking of a better solution to everyone’s life and study as well. For those of you who are not local residents and who are still living on campus, you can consider going back home because the school is supposed to be having online lesson. If anyone has any question, please let us know immediately.
Kind regards,
School Principal
(When Bessie saw this email, her tears unconsciously flows down, she looks at the email quietly, and didn’t say anything. Joseph calls Bessie.)
Joseph
Did you receive that email? Are you planning to go back?
Bessie
I don’t know, I am not sure. Are you?
Joseph
My mom booked a flight for me already.
Bessie
Okay.
Joseph
(Joseph sent his flight ticket to her via text.)
There are still few tickets left, maybe you can have a look. Okay, I have to go now and start packing. Bye!
Bessie
Okay bye and take care!
(On the other study desk, Laura sits which is opposite to Bessie)
Laura
Hey, why don’t you ask Johnny.
Bessie
Oh yeah, hold on, what about you? Are you going back? With your brother?
Laura
I think so, my mom just text me that she has already brought the ticket for me and my brother. So, you’d better be quick.
(Bessie is anxious right now. Bessie quickly texts her mom and ask if she has bought the flight ticket successfully, at the same time, she texts Johnny.)
Bessie
Is everything alright? Are you going to go back soon?
Johnny
Apparently, yes. How about you?
Bessie
I don’t know yet, my mom hasn’t replied to me yet.
Johnny
Would you come down outside of the reception area?
Bessie
Right now?
Johnny
If that’s okay.
(Bessie was surprised, she asked the permission of Ms. Wendy and quickly goes down. She doesn’t know what will happen. When Bessie was nearly there, she vaguely saw a car and Johnny is waiting for her. She quietly stood beside him and patted him gently.)
Johnny
Hi!
Bessie
What’s wrong?
Johnny
Nothing, just, I am going to leave. (He pointed the car behind him.)
I just want to say a goodbye to you before leaving.
(He took out something like envelope from behind. Meanwhile, Bessie wanted her tears from coming out.)
Bessie
Is that for me?
Johnny
(He looks at that envelope and waits for a second and says it softly.)
Thank you for everything Bessie
(He passes the envelope and hugs her. So, they hug, Finally they bid each other. Bess, remains standing until the car is no longer visible. On the way back to dorm of Bessie, she opens that envelope.)
Hi Bessie,
In fact, I don’t know how to start this conversation, but from the time we first met until now, I am beginning to have a crush on you. We always do things together like having meals, studying, and hanging out. I will never forget those wonderful times. If time permits, I think we will definitely spend more time together, to do more things. When this virus information was released, I felt my heart sank. I don’t know this virus to come so fast and will tear us apart. I hope and look forward to seeing you next time. We have to see each other again. We must!
Keep in touch and keep safe.
Love,
Johnny
(As Bessie read this letter, her tears fell unconsciously, she can’t believe that he treats their relationship seriously. She felt touched by his sincerity.)
(BLACK OUT)
(END OF SCENE)
Act 4
Scene 1
(Few days has passed by, only Bessie and the other students from England stay at school. The other foreign students had gotten their tickets and went back home.)
(Johnny calls Bessie after he arrived.) Ring! Ring!
Johnny
Hi Bes! I just arrived, and I am going to do a virus testing and then will go to quarantine for 10 days, I guess. How about you? Did you get a ticket yet?
Bessie
Not yet, but I think I will be back soon. Quarantine for 10days? Does that mean you have to stay inside a room for 10 whole days? Are you allowed to go for a walk outside?
Johnny
Yeah, it sounds boring, but I think school has arrange the online lessons, right? And no, I will not be able to go for a walk. It’s pretty depressing!
Bessie
That’s right, at least you get something to do.
Johnny
Talk to you later, I got to do the testing now.
Bessie
Alright then! Bye and take care!
(Johnny finished the testing, and he had to wait for two hours to get the result.)
Airport’s broadcast
The result of the testing has come out, unfortunately, two passengers are infected with the unknown virus. So, the rest of the people in the same plane with them have to take in a 17 days intensive observation.
Josh and Johnny, the ambulance is coming, you have to the protection properly now and go the hospital immediately.
(Johnny heard the broadcast, He’s dreading that he is one of those two passengers.)
(Nurses approaching Johnny.)
Nurse 1
Sir, please take your belongings and follow us. You need to wear this hazmat suit then.
(Johnny felt like the sky is falling. He can’t believe that the Unlucky person will be him. Thinking this virus has such a high fatality rate, he doesn’t know what to do. Johnny’s body become weaker at the thought of it.)
(Johnny quickly sends a message to Bessie before leaving with the nurses)
Text message from Johnny
I have been tested for negative, which means I will be free after 10days.
Bessie
(Replies the text) Cool! You know what, my flight will be on the day after tomorrow, which means we will meet soon!
Johnny
What a great news! Looking forward to seeing you back in China.
Bessie
Me too.
(Joseph calls Bessie on the phone)
Joseph
Hi Bes! Have you bought a ticket yet?
Bessie
Hi Joseph! Yes! Fortunately, I will be back the day after tomorrow.
Joseph
Oh really? You have to be super careful on the way back, virus prevention work must be done. Maybe we can hang out after the quarantine.
Bessie
Well, I hope so. Thanks. Hey, I have to get going and start packing. Thanks for calling Joseph. Bye!
(Johnny calls Ethan.)
Johnny
Hi Ethan! Man, I’m infected.
Ethan
Hey Johnny! What? Seriously! You are infected? Did you tell Bessie?
Johnny
No, I know I should have. I spoke to her earlier, but it’s all too sudden. I’m quite afraid to be honest, but we have to accept the reality. I might die you know. Hey, man, I have to go, the nurses are here for another round of test. Bye! (Hangs up the phone)
(Talks to himself) What should I do?! No hiding from Bessie is not right but this is the best I could do now.
(BLACK OUT)
(END OF SCENE)
Act 5
Scene 1
(On the day that Bessie is going to fly.)
Doctor 1
Emergency! Help! Help! Johnny needs help right now!
Doctor 2
What happened?
Doctor 1
We just find out that he got asthma, it made his condition worsen. He was breathing so hard and almost stopped, but just getting better with this oxygen tank.
Doctor 2
Okay, make sure that Johnny is conscious and check his vital signs all the time. I’m going to check if there’s a better solution for him.
(Johnny is in a coma.)
Doctor 2
One, two, three… exchange
Doctor 1
One, two, three… exchange
(They have done the CPR for many times, but he’s unresponsive this time but is still breathing slowly.
Doctor 1
(His facial expression is tense and is in panic.) Can anyone contact his parents, I think he’s not gonna live much longer, because he’s critically ill, and this virus has a very high fatality rate, and hasn’t found a way to heal.(He looks at Johnny and keeps talking to him, to make sure Johnny is there all the time.) Hey Johnny, are you ok? Can you hear me?
(Johnny can barely talk right now, he only moves his finger to show that he is still alive. The doctors know that he is in pain. Johnny’s parents take the quickest flight to come to see their son. But Bessie didn’t know anything at this time, and she is about to land)
(Right after Bessie landed in the airport, an unfortunate thing happened, Johnny passed away, he was defeated by the virus after all. Everyone is sad for him, that includes the doctors, his family and friends knew except Bessie)
Doctor 1
We already tried our best. I am sorry about your son.
(When Johnny’s parents heard the news, they can’t accept.)
Johnny’s mom
Why does this kind of thing happen to me? My son finally went to study abroad, but when he came back, he was infected with the virus, and everything he had was gone. What should I do?
(Tears flowing down her cheeks.) I didn’t even get to see him for the last time.
Johnny’s dad
He’s safe now dear. (In tears while saying this.)
Act 5
Scene 2
(Bessie texts Johnny, but she didn’t get any reply, so she calls Ethan instead.)
Bessie
Hi Ethan, it’s me Bessie! Do you know what happened to Johnny? He hasn’t replied to my messages. I have not heard from him for a while now.
Ethan
Hi Bess! Umm… No, I don’t know.
Bessie
What do you mean? You must know something, just tell me the truth. Is there something that I need to know?
Ethan
So, it’s like… He was infected by the virus. He passed away two weeks ago. I guess, he didn’t want you to know so you won’t be worried.
Bessie
What do you mean Ethan?! What do you mean?! (Beginning to scream and cry) What are you saying? I don’t understand you! You’re lying to me! (Tears coming down her face and voice becomes muffled.)
Ethan
Bess, I am so sorry! I thought you knew? (This time Bessie, drops her phone as she is in tears.)
Bessie??!! Hello! Are you there?!
(Suddenly a loud knock is heard from the door. Bessie went to see and open the door and found a package delivered)
Bessie
(Still crying, tries to open the box addressed to her and found a phone. The phone is unlocked. She finds a video, opens it and plays it.)
Happy birthday to you (2x)
Happy birthday, Happy Birthday Bessie!
Happy birthday Bess, I love you!
(When Bessie saw this video, tears flowed unconsciously. She didn’t think he would remember her birthday. Bessie just lay down on the floor, playing that video over and over.)
(BLACK OUT)
(END OF STORY)
IMAGE REFERENCE: National Geographic Society (May 16, 2019) Virus [Online] https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/viruses/ [Accessed 8th May 2022]
ULink College Wordsmith Society 2019 