Playella | The Chase by Pooja Nellore

JANE is chasing after her TODDLER on her knees while holding his t-shirt and trousers, attempting to dress him. The child, in his nappy, resists, and is too busy walking and running back and forth in the hallway. A family portrait of three is hanging on the wall, slightly tilted. The front door to the apartment is visible.

TODDLER: Papa?

As he approaches the front door, he points to it.

TODDLER: Papa.

JANE: Yes, Papa went out for a bit. He will be back in five minutes.

TODDLER: Papa.

JANE: Yes, we know you love your Papa. What about Mama? Say Mama.

TODDLER: Papa.

JANE: Mama.

TODDLER: Papa.

JANE: (With a sigh) You mean, I carried you for nine months, went through labour, breast- fed you, and I don’t even get as little as an acknowledgement? Say Mama! Mama!

Pause

TODDLER: Ma- (JANE begins to smile) -ma, Papa? (As he points to the door again)

JANE’s smile fades and she throws the clothes on the ground, plumps down, crosses her legs, and rests her chin on one hand, in frustration. 

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One comment

  1. Nashira N. N.

    An allegory of my fears about motherhood x

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