This fine example of a Miniature Howler poked its face out at me on my walk to work from its perch on the back of a truck. These creatures are mostly harmless, though thought by many to be pests, and named after the piercing screams they eternally issue. Some experts think that this Miniature variety came first into existence when a Howler (a much larger, nocturnal creature that has a taste for raw chicken) and a robot squirrel mated. Due to its size and ability to forage, the Miniature Howler has infested much of Northern Thailand.
(Curtain opens to an empty stage. TT, a large, red, metal box sits exactly Center S. ME enters wearing sunglasses and a contemplative expression)
TT—Hey, girl in the sunglasses, what are you thinking about?
ME—(Stops and looks around in confusion) Hmm? Did you just speak to me large red metal sidewalk box?
TT—Yeah, call me Think Tank. What are you thinking about?
ME—Think Tank? Oh, umm I guess I’m just thinking about life. Life and the tomatoes I’m about to buy.
TT—Oh yeah? Life and tomatoes? That sounds pretty complicated. Take a seat and let’s talk it out.
ME—Okay, I’m not really in a rush to get anywhere. Where should I sit?
TT—Come on in, I’m well air-conditioned.
(TT’s face cracks open slightly. The opening reveals a small padded room. ME looks in, but isn’t convinced)
ME—It looks pretty small in there.
TT—Come on, girl, it’s not small, it’s snug. Don’t you remember comfort? Think about my four precise walls touching each other at exactly 90 degrees. Just imagine the luxuries available when everything is right or wrong.
ME—I don’t know…That seems like an over-simplified way of looking at life and problem solving.
TT—Get in already, girl. Hurry up!
(Smoke curls out of TT’s cracked face. Girl starts backwards in a great hurry.)
ME—I really must be going, those tomatoes might be sold out by now, I’ll see you later TT.
(ME trips as she tries to exit Stage R. She falls to the ground and explodes into a million shards of glass. Orchestra begins slow crescendo of warm-up noises.)
TT—(Barely audible over progressively loud orchestra) Grad school will get you girl, even if didn’t today.
