Scene 26

HOPE
It looks like all is well. But is that right? Demetrius will always have that love juice in his eyes. It’s a happy ending, but it’s weak somehow… Something is missing.

WISDOM
(no reply)

HOPE
Love is a strange thing. Maybe there are more people in this world, under the influence of an outside force. I guess Hermia and Helena are best friends again. As long as each has their man and they don’t cross each other again. They will all live happily ever after. That is until Lysander and Demetrius hit their mid life crisis and they run off with their secretaries.

WISDOM
(watches HOPE)

HOPE
(weary) Okay, Okay, you got me. I want this real love. The kind of love that has to do with sacrifice and honour, and having this Great King on my side and being willing to die. But here’s the deal; that’s what I believed in as a kid. And I’ve tried, but I can’t seem to do it. This kind of love seems like a fantasy to me, it seems like it can only be found in story books. I just can’t believe it’s real. And yet… There’s something in me that longs to believe it. I can’t get over this hurtle.

WISDOM
Have you found what you are looking for?

HOPE
I think so. But I don’t know if I can accept it – receive it. (a light goes on)

WISDOM
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of the Great King, and man.

HOPE
I don’t know exactly who this Great King is you’re talking about, but I think I have a pretty good idea, and I’m afraid I haven’t given Him the time of day for a very long time… Where’s His path where knights get strength? Cause I’m running on empty, I.. I’m done…

WISDOM
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

(WISDOM takes HOPE by the shoulders, and points her towards the next scene.)

WISDOM
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.

WISDOM
The beginning has not been finished yet.

HOPE
(weary) The beginning?

WISDOM
The first, and now the last.

HOPE
You’re speaking in riddles. I don’t understand.

WISDOM
Alpha and Omega. The beginning – now the end.

(The characters for the gift come on stage, as smoke fills the stage.)

HOPE
Oh, I remember. The first story. It has an end. Is that man still in that box?

WISDOM
The gift. Love.

HOPE
Yes, He’s a gift to them. I see. Like the toys were.

WISDOM
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.

(Wisdom stands behind HOPE as she watches the second half of “The GIFT” unfold)