Christmas night.
10:30 pm.
Becky and her family are sitting around the table playing the board game Clue, and discussing the irrelevance of placing the plastic weapons in each "room" as the directions instruct.
***
Step-brother: I just think that if the directions say we should lay out the weapons, we should lay out the weapons.
Mom: It's pointless and distracting though. It's just extra clutter in the rooms!
Brother: Well, what else are we gonna do with them. They're nice little props. Look at this little revolver. Pew! Pew!
Mom: Fine, I'll just put them back in the rooms, I don't care, it's just that...
Becky: *FAARRRTTT*
(silence)
...
(Becky sighs, takes her personal awkward silence cricket out of her pocket. Places it on table. Do your thing, cricket.)
...*ahem*.....chirp...
(family members lower their heads to silently analyze their playing cards, making copious notes regarding strategy, very very busy all the sudden, concentratey faces everywhere)
Becky: I...I pushed it out.
(............chirp........(infinity minutes)...........chirp.............)
Brother: You....you what?
Becky: I pushed it out.
Brother: What a weird thing to say. "I pushed it out." Are you drunk?
Becky: No.
Brother: Why are you telling us that you pushed it out?
Becky: Well you guys got all quiet like you were pretending you didn't hear it. I farted. Don't ignore it. You don't have to pretend for me. I wanted you to know that I pushed it out. It didn't sneak out or anything. I was just letting everyone know.
Brother: That you pushed it out?
Becky: Yeah. It was on purpose, so...not embarrassing, see?
Mom: No, honey. When you put it that way, not embarrassing at all.
Becky: I just feel really comfortable here. I love you guys. Merry Christmas.
...
chirp.
...
Becky: I pushed it out.
Mom: We know, honey. You're the boss of your farts.
Becky: I am.
...
....chirpchirp....
...
Brother: Your turn. Go.
Becky: Ok, um....Professor Plum?...with a candlestick?...in the....
*face turns red*
Becky: in the........urghhh
*neck veins bulge*
Mom: Honey, we believe you. It was on purpose. You don't have to prove it.
Brother: What are you doing? You're trying to fart on cue now?
Becky: No, I'm just thinking very hard. Hmm. I'll guess....Professorrrrnghh
Mom: Don't push too hard honey, you'll break a vein somewhere.
Becky: I just feel like my honor's been insulted here. I don't want your pity, any of you. Your pity is what's embarrassing, not the actual fart. I pushed it out.
Brother: Oh my God. I should go, it's getting late. I think we're all a little tired.
Becky: No. Let's play. Professor Plum.....with the candlestick....in...themmmph....
Brother: Really?
Becky: iiinnnn theeeeeeeee....
Mom: Honey. If you have to force it, maybe it's not meant to be.
Becky: I'm not pushing. Shh. Wait. Seriously you guys, shutupshutup.
....
...um, chirp?...
Becky: No, not now, cricket. This isn't awkward. This is poignant and suspenseful.
Brother: Actually, it is a little awkward.
....chirp!!...
Becky: Hey how bout you not confuse my cricket? Please?? That's weeks of training down the drain.
Brother: I'm gonna go home.
Becky: ...with a candlestick......in the.......*EEYEERRRPP????*
....
....cricket falls over dead....
...
Brother: That was actually...wow...that was....did you do that on purpose? That thing where it goes up at the end and sounds like a question?
Mom: That was nice, honey. You're in the conservatory, so I think we can assume that's your guess. Does anyone have Professor Plum, candlestick, conservatory? No? Anyone?
Brother: *face turns red* *intense focus eyes*
Mom: Oh no, not you too. Listen, just because she has a special talent doesn't mean you don't have your own special talents. Like, you're good at basketball and drawing apples. She's a great cake decorator and she asks questions with her butt. You guys are both special in your own ways. No competition today, please? Now...Professor Plum? Candlestick? Conserva....
Brother: I can...*veins bulge*...do it. I can make the question noise too.
Becky: You can! You can do it! Think of a question in your mind. Think really hard. Make your whole body feel inquisitive. I believe in you.
Mom: Oh, what a rare treat! I love watching you guys work together like this. There's nothing that makes me happier as a mother. This is the best Christmas ever. God bless us every one.
CURTAIN CLOSES.
APPLAUSE.
CIDER AND COCOA IN THE LOBBY.





















