Shopping Cart By Michelle Lane
A WOMAN and her CHILD stand in a
grocery store isle. The CHILD stands or sits on the floor picking at something
on the ground—chilling, as small children tend to do. The WOMAN compares
products further away from the cart.
The WOMAN picks her product, and
walks back towards the cart, and notices the CHILD on the ground.
WOMAN
Oh no sweetie. We don’t play on floors. They’re dirty.
She picks up the CHILD and puts
him in the shopping cart. They begin to walk down the isle. The CHILDbegins to
cry.
WOMAN (over the sound of the
child)
Shh…Shh…It’s okay. It’s okay sweetie. We’re almost done
alright? Alright? Just stay quiet for mommy for a few more minutes okay? Okay?
Shh..Shh Its fine.
CHILD continues to cry, WOMAN
tries to calm him down.
An OLD MAN begins walking down the
isle toward the mom and her still screaming child.
OLD MAN
You should try a teething ring. Had three of my own, the
only thing to get them quiet was something in their mouths!
WOMAN
Oh he’s too old for binkies and things like that.
OLD
MAN
Oh no! He’s fine! Mine held onto theirs for almost 4 years!
Each! Keep ‘em quiet ‘swhat I always say.
WOMAN
Well thank you for the advice. Maybe I’ll try to pick one up
while I’m here.
OLD
MAN
Oh sure sure! Any time young lady.
The child noticing the old man now
begins to coo and point and try to reach the old man.
OLD MAN
Hey there little guy.
Child
keeps wiggling and reaching for the man.
Oh? What do you want? Yeah? Yeah? Would you mind dearie?
WOMAN
I’ve never seen him like someone so fast.
Would you mind just keeping your eye on him while I run to
the next isle?
OLD
MAN
Oh sure sure! Come here little guy, come to Old Joey.
WOMAN
I’ll be right back sweetie.
WOMAN walks towards the next isle,
leaving the OLD MAN completely alone with the CHILD.
The CHILD then begins to coo and
reach towards things around him. He reaches for a wine bottle, a glass jar,
anything fragile, which the OLD MAN laughs at and quickly pulls him away from.
A bottle cracks on the floor. The OLD MAN and CHILD look down, the CHILD
laughs, points at the bottle, and then points at another.
OLD MAN
Oh you like breaking things don’t you? Your mommy wont be
too happy little guy.
WOMAN
returns from around the corner.
WOMAN
Did he do that? Jesus. Damn it Justin. Would you mind
staying here while I look for the manager?
OLD
MAN
Sure sure. He just knocked into it, I’m sure it’ll be okay.
WOMAN
We hope right? What did I say Justin? No touchy! No touchy!
At the WOMAN’s approach, the child
starts crying, harder this time. The OLD
MAN easily calms him.
OLD MAN
Why don’t you see about that manager, I got him here.
WOMAN
Right. Yes. I’ll be right back.
The CHILD calms down as the WOMAN
turns the corner. He reaches again for a bottle. The OLD MAN watches as he
breaks another. Then another. Soon the OLD MAN is laughing and breaking bottles
alongside the CHILD. The CHILD breaks a final bottle, points at it, and then
points towards where his mother exited. The OLD MAN nods in some sort of
understanding.
WOMAN turns the same corner.
WOMAN
Apparently he’s on his…woah. Did he do all that too??
Whatever it doesn’t matter. Shouldn’t have that stuff so high up anyway. The
manager’s on his way. Had to fix a fridge or something. He’ll be here soon.
Thanks so much for watching him. He seems to love you.
OLD
MAN
Oh Sure. Sure. Not a problem. Cute kid.
WOMAN
Thanks. Well it was nice speaking to you.
OLD
MAN
Likewise
WOMAN takes her CHILD back and
places him in her cart. The OLD MAN picks up a bottle and walks behind her. He
slams the bottle on her head. She collapses, and the OLD MAN picks up the
CHILD. They quickly leave the store.
The MANAGER turns the corner and
lays eyes on the scene.
THE END.
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