Page 255 - Musings 2020

(A muted of applause ensues. At the balcony, on seats K-1, 2 and 3 are Valerie (Joshua’s
young wife), Michael (his toddler) and Jonathan (his best friend from their school days).
Michael is looking at his father with his eyes round as pennies, spellbound. Valerie and
Jonathan are whispering to each other, leaning in to hear over the din.)

Jonathan: All these years, and yet he manages to keep going. The man is dedicated, I only
wish my kids could watch him.
Valerie: (smiling ruefully) You’d imagine so wouldn’t you? I guess it’s too hard to expect
New York’s finest to agree. Look at everyone, you’d have to pay them to even look
interested. It’s a disgrace!

Jonathan: (casually observing the crowd around him) I don’t think it’s that bad really. Look at
young Michael here, I don’t think I’ve seen the lad so focused since Teletubbies started airing
on the telly. A few hollers and catcalls as The Enigma performs a few basic magic tricks.

Valerie: (almost in tears) His stupid quest for fame is ruining our family. I tried to talk to him
about it before the show. He never listens!
Jonathan: I understand, dear, but trust in your husband. I know he loves his family, he’ll
figure something out.

Valerie: (almost hysterical) Figure something out? We’re starving you deluded idiot! Every
time my husband pulls a goddamn rabbit from a hat, my child goes hungry another day!

Jonathan: Shh!, Valerie, don’t cry. Everything will be alright.

Valerie: (eyes filling with angry tears) Another empty promise. You were always so good at
sounding sincere, Jon. Sometimes I wonder if you’ll ever come through to me. Sometimes...
(pauses hesitantly) sometimes I think I have to take matters into my own hands.

Jonathan: (turns to her sharply) What do you mean, Valerie?
Valerie: (smiles sadly through her tears) It's nothing. I’m sorry Jonathan, I shouldn't have
whaled on you like that. You’ve done nothing to deserve it.

Jonathan: Think nothing of it, my dear. I’ve met women of all shapes and sizes, but you’re
the strongest one I know. I’m sure you’ll figure something out.

(Valerie does not reply. She stares stonily at her husband. Joshua gears up for the last act of
the night. Jonathan gazes at his uninterested audience sadly and feels desperately sorry for
himself.)

The Enigma: (to himself) What am I doing? I'm hopeless. I don’t know how long I’ll have to
endure this painful journey. If only I had a sign which told me not to continue down this road.
I don't understand where it all went wrong. All I ever wanted was to be the greatest magician
alive, someone my son could look up to. But look at me now. I’m an embarrassment as a
father. I can't even look my child in the eye, afraid I'll see the very things I dread. I’m unable
to provide for my kid, isn’t that the least a man must be capable of? Life has defeated me, but
there is still something I can do for him... give him a good life. But can I subject Michael to a
life without a father? Society will never stop reminding them of my absence. Is it fair? Is
money really more important? Should I take the leap? Or can we live a quiet and happy life

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